Summary of "Ep. 2121 - TRUMP IS BACK!!" | The Ben Shapiro Show | The Daily Wire | Released January 21, 2025

In Episode 2121 of The Ben Shapiro Show, titled "TRUMP IS BACK!!," host Ben Shapiro delivers an in-depth analysis and enthusiastic coverage of the historic return of Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States. The episode, released on January 21, 2025, captures the fervor and immediate actions following Trump's inauguration, emphasizing the significant policy reversals and executive orders aimed at reshaping American governance.

1. Inauguration Day Highlights

Ben Shapiro opens the episode by expressing excitement about Trump's inauguration, despite his temporarily lost voice due to the festivities in Washington, D.C. He describes the scene with Joe Biden reluctantly welcoming Trump:

“Welcome home to President Trump as he got out of the Beast Secret Service car...” [00:00]

Shapiro contrasts Biden’s demeanor with Trump and Melania's triumphant entrance, setting the tone for the episode's positive outlook on Trump's return.

Notable Moments:

• Vice President Swearing-In: The introduction of JD Vance as Vice President is highlighted as a "sweet scene," showcasing a return to "normies" in contrast to Biden's administration. Shapiro praises Vance’s family-oriented image:

  “JD Vance, your vice President of the United States, being sworn in yesterday by John Roberts.” [04:56]

• Trump’s Oath of Office: Shapiro critiques the officiant, Chief Justice John Roberts, for his perceived mishandling of the inauguration ceremonies:

  “He didn't wait for Melania to arrive with the family Bible. So that was his second time screwing up the inauguration.” [06:01]

2. Trump’s Inaugural Address

Shapiro provides a comprehensive breakdown of Trump's inauguration speech, noting its brevity and pointed content.

• Optimism and Manifest Destiny: Trump emphasizes a "new golden age" with aspirations extending to space exploration:

  “We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars. Launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars.” [13:33]

• Policy Reversals: Shapiro underscores Trump's immediate moves to reverse Biden-era policies, framing it as a mandate to undo "all the trash that Joe Biden did."

• Defense and Free Speech: Trump vows to restore free speech and end what he terms "illegal and unconstitutional federal efforts" to restrict it:

  “I will also sign an executive order to immediately stop all government censorship and bring back free speech to America.” [15:45]

Key Insights:

• Shapiro highlights Trump's approach as a direct repudiation of Biden, stressing that this election is a referendum on both candidates, an unusual scenario in American politics.
• He praises the positive and aspirational tone of Trump's speech, reminiscent of Ronald Reagan's optimism.

3. Executive Orders and Policy Changes

Shapiro delves into the flurry of executive orders signed by Trump on his first day back in office, emphasizing their immediate impact.

• Policy Reversal: Trump revoked 78 executive orders from the Biden administration, signaling a swift change in federal policies.

  “He’s going to do a lot of it via executive action because unfortunately, that’s now the way our government works.” [28:35]

• January 6th Pardons: A controversial move, Trump pardoned nearly 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot, a decision Shapiro partially opposes:

  “I do not think that is a wonderful thing if people beat up cops and then get to go free.” [26:45]

• Border and Immigration Policies: Reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" policy and the "End Catch and Release" initiative highlight Trump's focus on stringent immigration control.

  “All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came.” [17:05]

• Ending DEI Programs: Trump issues an executive order to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government, promoting a merit-based system:

  “We will forge a society that is colorblind and merit-based.” [16:12]

4. Foreign Policy Shifts

Shapiro outlines Trump's aggressive stance on foreign policy, aiming to recalibrate America's role globally.

• Designation of Drug Cartels as Terrorist Organizations: Targeting Mexican and other Latin American criminal groups to strengthen border security.

  “The Associated Press reports...designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.” [17:52]

• Review of Foreign Aid: Initiating a 90-day review to ensure foreign aid aligns with American interests, potentially impacting organizations like UNRWA.

• Sanctions and International Relations: Lifting Biden-imposed sanctions on Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, signaling a shift in U.S. Middle East policy.

5. Constitutional and Legal Reforms

Shapiro discusses Trump's efforts to realign federal governance with his administration's priorities.

• Revoking Birthright Citizenship: Trump's executive order challenges the traditional interpretation of the 14th Amendment, aiming to limit citizenship to those "subject to the jurisdiction thereof."

  “There is nothing particularly shocking about this. What is shocking is the idea that...” [36:36]

• Reinstating Schedule F: Enhancing the President's authority to dismiss executive branch employees, aligning with the unitary executive theory.

  “Schedule F is the ability of the President of the United States to fire people inside the executive branch.” [28:35]

6. Public and Political Reactions

Shapiro reflects on the broader implications of Trump's return, including cultural moments and political backlash.

• Cultural Moments: Highlights Carrie Underwood’s impromptu acapella performance of "America the Beautiful," symbolizing national unity and optimism.

• Political Repercussions: Critiques Biden's pardons and policy decisions, portraying them as detrimental to the integrity of the office.

  “Joe Biden just wanted to do the bad thing. He always wanted to do the bad thing.” [24:43]

7. Advertisements and Sponsorships

Throughout the episode, Shapiro integrates advertisements seamlessly, promoting products like Legacy Box, Black Rifle Coffee, Bull and Branch sheets, and Policygenius life insurance. These segments are brief and maintain the episode's momentum without detracting from the main content.

8. Conclusion and Future Outlook

Shapiro concludes the episode with a strong endorsement of Trump's administration, emphasizing the transformative potential he brings to the White House. He anticipates significant changes in American policies and governance, positioning Trump as a decisive leader poised to fulfill his campaign promises within his first 18 months.

“Trump has a mandate to get rid of all the trash that Joe Biden did. So the very first executive order issued by the President of the United States was a revocation of 78 executive orders issued by Joe Biden.” [28:35]

Shapiro ends on an optimistic note, encouraging listeners to join The Daily Wire for continued coverage and analysis of the Trump administration's actions.

Key Takeaways:

• Historic Return: Donald Trump’s re-election marks a significant shift in American politics, with immediate policy reversals targeting Biden’s legacy.
• Policy Priorities: Focus on immigration reform, ending DEI programs, reinforcing border security, and redefining citizenship laws.
• Controversial Moves: The mass pardoning related to January 6th and the revocation of Biden-era executive orders highlight the administration’s aggressive approach.
• Optimistic Vision: Shapiro presents Trump’s vision as a return to American greatness, emphasizing optimism, strength, and a proactive stance on both domestic and international fronts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Ben Shapiro on the Inauguration:
  “If you have a toddler, understand it is kind of the norm, having a young family be sworn in this way with actual children.” [04:56]

• Trump on Free Speech:
  “I will also sign an executive order to immediately stop all government censorship and bring back free speech to America.” [15:45]

• Trump on Manifest Destiny:
  “We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars. Launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars.” [13:33]

• Shapiro on Biden’s Legacy:
  “Joe Biden just wanted to do the bad thing. He always wanted to do the bad thing.” [24:43]

This episode serves as a comprehensive overview of Donald Trump’s immediate actions upon reclaiming the presidency, framed through Ben Shapiro's conservative lens. It underscores the dramatic policy shifts anticipated and celebrates what Shapiro perceives as a restoration of traditional American values and governance.