Podcast Summary: The Ben Shapiro Show – Ep. 2120 "IT’S INAUGURATION DAY!"
Introduction On January 20, 2025, The Ben Shapiro Show delivered a comprehensive and spirited analysis of the historic inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States. Broadcasting live from Washington, D.C., Ben Shapiro provided real-time coverage, insightful commentary, and critical examination of the events surrounding the inauguration weekend.
I. Inauguration Day Festivities
Ben Shapiro set the scene by describing the vibrant atmosphere in Washington, D.C., transformed into a "MAGA town" amidst a polar vortex. He highlighted the shift of celebrations indoors due to frigid weather, emphasizing the unwavering dedication of supporters despite the cold.
- Notable Quote:
"[00:00] Ben Shapiro: Washington, D.C. is now MAGA town. This is MAGA country in a polar vortex."
Shapiro also showcased photos from the festivities, featuring notable personalities such as MMA champion Conor McGregor, classical musician Kid Rock, Glenn Beck, Marissa Strait, Megyn Kelly, and Charlie Kirk, illustrating the diverse support for Trump's return to the White House.
II. President Trump's Inaugural Address Expectations
Ben anticipated President Trump's inaugural speech, referencing excerpts provided by The Wall Street Journal. He predicted an optimistic message centered on a "revolution of common sense."
- Notable Quote:
"[08:30] Ben Shapiro: President Trump is expected to say, ... 'I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling New era of national success.'"
Shapiro lauded Trump's pragmatic approach, distinguishing him from ideological conservatives and liberals, and underscored Trump's focus on tangible victories and long-term success for the nation.
III. Executive Orders and Policy Agenda
A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the anticipated wave of executive orders President Trump planned to implement on his first day. Shapiro detailed the scope, ranging from immigration reform to energy policies.
- Notable Quote:
"[10:45] Ben Shapiro: Donald Trump is going to have to reverse many of the worst actions of the Biden administration that were taken via the executive branch."
Key executive orders included:
- Immigration: Restoring the "Remain in Mexico" policy, labeling drug cartels as terrorist organizations, and revising definitions related to gender identity in federal records.
- Energy: Increasing fossil fuel development to stimulate economic growth.
- Government Operations: Reducing regulations, firing numerous executive branch employees, and reviving policies like the Mexico City Policy to restrict foreign organizations from funding abortions.
Shapiro expressed constitutional concerns regarding the reliance on executive orders, while acknowledging the necessity to dismantle what he viewed as overreach from previous administrations.
IV. Immigration Policies and Enforcement
The podcast featured in-depth discussions on immigration policies, featuring statements from immigration officials Tom Homan and Mike Waltz. Shapiro criticized the previous administration's lax enforcement and highlighted the incoming administration's commitment to stringent immigration control.
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Notable Quotes:
"[14:05] Tom Homan: 'We're going to take the handcuffs off ICE and let them go. Arrest criminal aliens.'"
"[14:11] Ben Shapiro: 'President Trump is telling ICE to enforce immigration law without apology.'"
Shapiro emphasized the administration's focus on deporting individuals with criminal records and those who entered the country illegally, aligning with public sentiment favoring stricter immigration measures.
V. Criticism of the Biden Administration
Ben Shapiro extensively criticized President Joe Biden's tenure, highlighting perceived failures and departures from traditional norms. He scrutinized Biden's attempt to declare the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as a constitutional amendment unilaterally, labeling it unconstitutional and procedurally flawed.
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Notable Quotes:
"[22:00] Ben Shapiro: 'The biggest problem is that it's not true. It's not magically a constitutional amendment because Joe Biden declares it.'"
"[25:30] Ben Shapiro: 'History will judge him as one of the worst presidents in all of American history.'"
Shapiro also condemned Biden's mass pardons of figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci and General Mark Milley, portraying them as politically motivated acts undermining justice.
VI. Media Coverage and Biden’s Competence
The podcast delved into media narratives surrounding Joe Biden's mental acuity, citing reports from The Guardian and anecdotal evidence from political analysts. Shapiro dismissed these concerns as cover-ups and media conspiracies, maintaining that Biden's administration was characterized by incompetence and corruption.
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Notable Quotes:
"[26:40] Ben Shapiro: 'The media is trying to buy back their lack of credibility by admitting the reality that President Biden has been senile for the last three years.'"
"[28:22] Mike Waltz: 'Mr. President, can I ask you a question?' ... Ben Shapiro: 'That man is now leaving in disgrace, as well he should.'"
VII. Cultural Shift and National Optimism
Shapiro observed a significant cultural and political shift, noting increased optimism among Americans and a departure from the resistance seen during Trump's first term. He attributed this change to public disillusionment with Democratic policies and a rejuvenated conservative movement.
- Notable Quote:
"[34:07] Ben Shapiro: 'The left cannot handle the fact that many of the policies he's talking about are overwhelmingly popular.'"
He also discussed the reinvigoration of free speech and free markets, expressing hope for a return to traditional American values under Trump's leadership.
VIII. Attendance of Prominent Figures and Tech Leaders
Highlighting the presence of influential individuals like Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos at the inauguration, Shapiro contrasted the current administration’s relationship with tech companies to that of the previous Democratic administration, which he claimed sought to suppress conservative voices.
- Notable Quote:
"[43:20] Donald Trump: 'We're looking forward to making a lot of changes...'"
Shapiro interpreted their attendance as a positive sign for the restoration of free speech and a more business-friendly environment.
IX. Cryptocurrency and Meme Coins Discussion
In a tangent, Shapiro addressed the recent surge in meme coins associated with the Trump family, cautioning against investing in such volatile assets due to their lack of inherent value and potential to undermine free-market principles.
- Notable Quote:
"[36:17] Ben Shapiro: 'When you misuse the free market, the blowback tends not to be against the company... It tends to be against free market capitalism in general.'"
X. Conclusion and Call to Action
Ben Shapiro concluded the episode with a message of hope and responsibility, urging conservatives to actively support Trump's administration through legislative collaboration and public engagement. He emphasized the significance of this second Trump term as a pivotal moment for America’s future.
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Notable Quotes:
"[39:40] Donald Trump: 'The sun sets tomorrow evening, the invasion of our borders will have come to a halt...'"
"[44:01] Ben Shapiro: 'President Trump is about to exit the White House momentarily, head on over to the Capitol building...'"
Shapiro called for unity among Republicans to advance key policies such as reinstating tax cuts, deregulating industries, and enforcing immigration laws, framing the inauguration as a turning point towards national prosperity and stability.
Final Thoughts Throughout the episode, Ben Shapiro provided a fervent and detailed analysis of President Trump's inauguration, blending live reporting with critique of the previous administration and optimism for future policies. By highlighting policy expectations, cultural shifts, and the involvement of prominent figures, Shapiro crafted a narrative celebrating Trump's return while urging active support from the conservative base to realize the envisioned national revival.