The Ben Shapiro Show - Episode 2123: Trump Kills DEI, Affirmative Action!

Release Date: January 23, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro
Publisher: The Daily Wire

1. President Trump's Resounding Popularity and Economic Success

Overview:
Ben Shapiro opens the episode by highlighting President Donald Trump's unprecedented approval ratings and the robust performance of the U.S. economy under his leadership.

Key Points:

• Approval Ratings: President Trump's approval rating stands at 47%, the highest ever, surpassing his first term.
• Popular Policies: Policies such as defining only two sexes have garnered significant support, with 58% of respondents agreeing that the U.S. should reduce the number of migrants allowed asylum at the border.
• Stock Market Achievements: The S&P 500 reached a new high of 6100, marking a record three days since Trump took office. Shapiro attributes this success to innovation, entrepreneurship, and a strong founder mentality.

Notable Quote:

"President Trump's approval rating currently stands at 47%. That is the highest approval rating that President Trump has ever had, including during his first term."
— Ben Shapiro [00:00]

2. Trump Administration's Crackdown on DEI and Affirmative Action

Overview:
The episode delves into the Trump administration's decisive actions to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and affirmative action policies within federal agencies.

Key Points:

• Executive Order on DEI: The White House issued a memorandum instructing all federal agencies to close DEI offices by 5 PM on January 22, 2025.
• Rationale: The Biden administration's DEI programs were deemed as causing public waste and discriminatory practices. The Trump administration emphasizes serving every person with equal dignity without preferential treatment.
• Affirmative Action Rescinded: President Trump rescinded Executive Order 11246, which mandated affirmative action for federal contractors, terming it as institutionalized discrimination.

Notable Quotes:

"Yesterday, the White House issued an order that all Federal employees in DEI roles be placed on paid leave... They are shutting down every single DEI office across the federal government."
— Ben Shapiro [Approx. 35:00]

"Affirmative action means racial discrimination. It means not anti-discrimination, but, yes, discrimination. Trump has now rescinded that Executive Order."
— Ben Shapiro [Approx. 55:00]

3. Media Opposition and Declining Ratings

Overview:
Shapiro critiques the left-wing media's antagonistic stance toward President Trump, highlighting their declining relevance and ratings.

Key Points:

• Media's Struggle: Left-wing media like CNN are experiencing significant drops in viewership and revenue, leading to layoffs.
• Inauguration Ratings: The latest inauguration had fewer viewers than both Biden's and Trump's inaugurations, signaling polarized public interest.
• Trump's Response: Despite media narratives, streaming numbers for Trump-related content, such as those on Daily Wire, remain exceptionally high.

Notable Quotes:

"Listening to CNN hosts gush over a decline in inauguration ratings. I'm sorry, this is not going to bring CNN's ratings back."
— Ben Shapiro [Approx. 20:00]

"While they are busy covering the distractions of the Trump administration, things are actually getting done."
— Ben Shapiro [Approx. 22:00]

4. Strengthening Immigration Policies

Overview:
The Trump administration intensifies immigration enforcement by deploying military troops to the southern border and enforcing stricter immigration laws.

Key Points:

• Military Deployment: 1,500 active-duty troops have been sent to assist Border Patrol, with plans to add 2,000 more Marines.
• DOJ Directives: The Department of Justice is instructed to prosecute local officials who obstruct immigration law enforcement.
• Sanctuary Cities: Enhanced efforts to dismantle sanctuary policies, aiming to reduce illegal immigration and associated crimes.
• Impact on Migration: Recent apprehensions stand at 766 within the first 48 hours, a stark contrast to the 10,000 to 12,000 under Biden.

Notable Quotes:

"President Trump is moving. This was his key promise since 2015, and he is not letting up."
— Ben Shapiro [Approx. 1:10:00]

"Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing, and otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands."
— Ben Shapiro [Approx. 1:15:00]

5. International Trade and Sanctions

Overview:
Shapiro discusses Trump's strategic use of tariffs and sanctions to counteract Chinese trade practices and negotiate better terms with allies like Canada.

Key Points:

• Tariffs on China: A 10% tariff on Chinese goods is slated to begin on February 1st, targeting the influx of fentanyl and other illicit activities.
• Relations with Canada: Potential 25% tariffs on Canadian goods to leverage the U.S. for more favorable trade agreements, focusing on critical minerals and energy.
• Sanctions on Russia: Trump threatens heightened sanctions if Russia does not cease its military actions in Ukraine, emphasizing peace through strength.

Notable Quotes:

"President Trump is not shy about the use of tariffs and China is indeed a geopolitical opponent."
— Ben Shapiro [Approx. 1:30:00]

"President Trump has now threatened sanctions and tariffs on Russia if Vladimir Putin does not reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine."
— Ben Shapiro [Approx. 1:45:00]

6. Investment in Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure

Overview:
A groundbreaking initiative, the Stargate Project, is announced, committing $500 billion to develop AI infrastructure in the United States, aiming to secure technological leadership and create over 100,000 jobs.

Key Points:

• Stargate Project: A collaboration among leading tech giants to build AI databases essential for advancements in artificial intelligence.
• Economic Impact: Significant investment expected to bolster the U.S. economy and maintain competitive edge against China.
• Energy and Expertise: Emphasis on the need for energy surplus, AI expertise, and climate-friendly environments to support AI development.

Notable Quotes:

"President Trump announced that there'd be a massive investment in AI databases. This infrastructure is necessary to power AI."
— Ben Shapiro [Approx. 1:50:00]

"Together, these world-leading technology giants are announcing the formation of Stargate... creating over 100,000 American jobs almost immediately."
— Ben Shapiro [Approx. 2:05:00]

"AI is a sea change. It is the equivalent of how the Internet changed the world. But more so."
— Ben Shapiro [Approx. 2:10:00]

7. Internal Political Moves: Pete Hegseth’s Nomination

Overview:
The episode touches on the political maneuvering surrounding the nomination of Pete Hegseth to a significant position, highlighting resistance from within the Republican Party.

Key Points:

• Nomination Challenges: Three Republican senators, including moderate members like Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, oppose Hegseth, leading to potential setbacks in his confirmation.
• Allegations and Denials: Reports of abuse and misconduct surfaced against Hegseth, which he and his ex-wife vehemently deny, citing false and unfounded claims.
• Party Dynamics: The opposition from key Republicans underscores the complexities within the party and the challenges of maintaining unity.

Notable Quotes:

"There was no physical abuse in my marriage. This is the only further statement I will make to you."
— Samantha Hegseth [Approx. 2:30:00]

"These sorts of spurious allegations, unsupportable by the actual available evidence, have become stock in trade for Democrats."
— Ben Shapiro [Approx. 2:35:00]

8. Conclusion and Forward Look

Overview:
Ben Shapiro wraps up the episode by reinforcing the administration's commitment to conservative principles, economic growth, and national security, while critiquing opposition efforts.

Key Points:

• Administration's Achievements: Highlighting the swift and impactful changes implemented within days of Trump's return to office.
• Future Prospects: Emphasis on continued efforts to secure borders, bolster the economy, and lead in technological advancements.
• Call to Action: Encouraging listeners to stay informed and support initiatives that align with conservative values.

Notable Quote:

"President Trump killed DEI. I'm going to address more on that in just one second... These moves, I mean it goes beyond these moves."
— Ben Shapiro [Approx. 1:00:00]

Final Thoughts

Episode 2123 of The Ben Shapiro Show presents a comprehensive overview of President Trump's aggressive policy shifts aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives, strengthening immigration enforcement, securing economic interests through strategic tariffs, and investing heavily in AI infrastructure. Shapiro underscores the administration's successes and critiques media opposition, while also navigating internal political challenges. The episode serves as a robust affirmation of Trump's vision for a "golden age" in America, characterized by economic prosperity, national security, and technological leadership.