The Ben Shapiro Show: Episode 2130 - TRADE WAR and Naked Grammys!

Release Date: February 3, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro
Podcast: The Ben Shapiro Show by The Daily Wire

1. U.S. Assertiveness on the Panama Canal

Panama Canal Control and Chinese Influence

Ben Shapiro initiates the episode by discussing President Trump's strategic maneuvers regarding the Panama Canal. He highlights Trump's efforts to retain U.S. influence over this critical maritime route, historically built by the United States and transferred to Panama in the late 20th century under Jimmy Carter's administration.

Ben Shapiro [00:00]: "President Trump has been issuing a lot of threats over the Panama Canal...Chinese have been using extraordinary power bribery graft in order to take control of two ends of the Panama Canal."

Marco Rubio's Stance

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, voices concerns over China's potential to turn the Panama Canal into a strategic choke point during conflicts. Rubio emphasizes the urgency to reclaim U.S. influence in the Canal area.

Marco Rubio [02:32]: "China is running the Panama Canal. That was not given to China...We're going to take it back or something very powerful is going to happen."

Trump's Victory Against the Belt and Road Initiative

Shapiro details President Trump's success in persuading Panama to withdraw from China's Belt and Road Initiative, marking the first Latin American nation to do so. This move is portrayed as a significant blow to Chinese influence in the region.

Ben Shapiro [03:00]: "Panama has just announced that they will not renew the Belt and Road Agreement with China...This makes it the first Latin American nation to leave the Belt and Road Initiative."

Implications for U.S. and Global Strategy

The discussion extends to broader U.S. foreign policy under Trump, including the reinforcement of the Monroe Doctrine and strategic withdrawals of aid to nations like South Africa, perceived as fostering corruption and racialist policies.

2. Elon Musk's Challenge to USAID

Musk's Campaign Against USAID

Shapiro shifts focus to Elon Musk's controversial attempts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). According to Shapiro, Musk and his allies are infiltrating USAID to redirect funds and eliminate inefficiencies.

Ben Shapiro [04:30]: "Elon Musk is moving to blow up the U.S. aid and Development Agency...This marks the start of a far-reaching campaign by Musk to upend the federal government agency by agency."

Controversy and Operational Challenges

The episode delves into the backlash from both Democrats and Republicans against Musk's unilateral actions, highlighting concerns over bypassing Senate confirmations and the potential for increased Chinese influence if USAID operations are compromised.

Ben Shapiro [05:45]: "If you actually destroy USAID as a functioning agency...then what you actually could be doing is opening the door to things like China's Belt and Road Initiative."

Security Breaches and Internal Conflict

Shapiro narrates incidents where DOGE representatives attempted unauthorized access to USAID's classified systems, resulting in key security officials being placed on administrative leave.

Ben Shapiro [06:50]: "Roughly eight DOGE representatives sought access to classified systems...the security officials...were then put on administrative leave for not complying."

3. Trump Administration’s Foreign Policy Moves

Release of Americans from Venezuela

Highlighting President Trump's assertive foreign policy, Shapiro mentions the release of 86 Americans from Venezuela under Trump's administration, attributing the success to his administration's relentless pressure.

Ben Shapiro [10:15]: "President Trump concluded his second week back in office by securing the release of 86 Americans from Venezuela...the government of President Nicolas Maduro freed them after receiving pressure from the Trump administration."

Military Strikes in Somalia

Shapiro commends Trump's decision to order military airstrikes targeting ISIS operatives in Somalia, contrasting it with the Biden administration's perceived inaction.

Ben Shapiro [15:00]: "President Trump announced that he had ordered military airstrikes in Somalia...He said, 'Our military has targeted this ISIS attack plan for years.'"

4. The Trade War: Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China

Implementation of Tariffs

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to President Trump's imposition of tariffs on Canadian (25%), Mexican (25%), and Chinese (10%) products. Shapiro analyzes Trump's strategy, suggesting that the tariffs are a leverage tool rather than an ideological stand.

Ben Shapiro [17:30]: "Tariffs are now, maybe, again, the reason that he is talking up tariffs as a policy is because this is a great strategy...he talks up tariffs as a way of saying, listen, I don't mind. We'll do this."

Economic Impacts and Market Reactions

Shapiro discusses the immediate market reactions to the tariffs, noting stock market dips due to fears of prolonged trade disruptions. He underscores the potential harm to American consumers and businesses due to increased costs.

Ben Shapiro [19:48]: "Tariff policy, trade wars are bad and not easy to win...These sorts of things have a major impact on American markets."

Negotiations and Concessions

Detailing the subsequent negotiations, Shapiro explains how Trump leveraged the tariffs to secure concessions from Mexico, including the deployment of 10,000 Mexican soldiers to the U.S. border to combat fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration.

Ben Shapiro [21:37]: "President Trump had used his emergency authority to stop fentanyl illegal immigration in order to make the tariffs happen."

Retaliatory Measures by Canada

Canada's retaliatory tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods are highlighted, with Shapiro pointing out the detrimental effects on the U.S. economy and the potential for escalating trade tensions.

Ben Shapiro [22:45]: "Justin Trudeau announced retaliatory tariffs... 25% tariffs against $155 billion worth of American goods."

Long-Term Implications

Shapiro warns of the broader consequences of ongoing trade wars, including the erosion of free trade agreements and increased Chinese dominance in global markets.

Ben Shapiro [24:10]: "China particularly is more than happy... to fill that gap with cheap free trade... Europeans are already anticipating that President Trump is going to try tariffing them."

5. Critique of the Democratic National Committee (DNC)

New Leadership and Internal Challenges

Shapiro criticizes the DNC's recent leadership changes, focusing on the appointment of Ken Martin as the new chair and David Hogg as vice-chair. He questions their qualifications and effectiveness in revitalizing the party.

Ben Shapiro [26:00]: "The DNC remains absolutely out in the wilderness... Ken Martin says that the Democratic Party is doing just fine... But it's evident that they are struggling."

David Hogg’s Vice-Chairmanship

Shapiro expresses strong disapproval of David Hogg’s appointment as DNC vice-chair, mocking his credentials and past activism.

Ben Shapiro [36:28]: "David Hogg... is the inestimably stupid David Hogg. He became world famous... He's supposed to be driving young men back into the arms of the DNC."

DNC's Gender Balance Issues

The episode highlights the DNC's struggle with gender balance in their executive board, showcasing the party's misplaced priorities amidst election challenges.

Ben Shapiro [31:10]: "They didn't have enough non-gender binary, non binary, gender queer people on their executive board... Amazing. Wow."

Overall Assessment of DNC’s Strategy

Shapiro concludes that the DNC's current strategies and leadership undermining its ability to connect with key voter demographics, such as Latino voters, women, and the working class.

Ben Shapiro [30:22]: "They lost ground with Latino voters... younger voters and working class voters... because you guys keep doing it."

6. The Grammys: A Cultural Critique

Fashion and Performances

Transitioning to a lighter yet critical segment, Shapiro and his producers review the latest Grammy Awards, focusing on the questionable fashion choices and performances. Shapiro mocks the extravagance and perceived lack of substance in the artists' attire and stage acts.

Ben Shapiro [37:58]: "Chapel Roan... looks like a terrible painting of Marie Antoinette... Billie Eilish stunning on this year's Grammys red carpet is one of the members of the Three Blind Mice."

Notable Criticisms of Performers

Shapiro specifically criticizes artists like Jaden and Willow Smith for their unconventional outfits, Lady Gaga for seemingly toning down her iconic style, and Kanye West for his controversial performance involving indecent exposure.

Ben Shapiro [43:04]: "Kanye west... revealed his wife fully naked at the Grammys before being arrested for indecent exposure... He's a complete piece of... disrespect to women is disgusting."

Political Messaging at the Grammys

The host also points out the political undertones in performances, such as Alicia Keys advocating for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), which Shapiro dismisses as out of touch with merit-based approaches.

Ben Shapiro [48:31]: "DEI is not a threat. It's a gift... How about that? Meanwhile, we're just doing merit over here."

Impact on Popular Culture

Shapiro laments the shift in Grammy performances from groundbreaking to mundane, questioning the relevance and influence of such cultural events in shaping public opinion.

Ben Shapiro [42:09]: "Once you've transgressed all the rules, there's nothing left to transgress. It's just boring."

7. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Reaffirming Conservative Values

Shapiro wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of conservative principles in combating global threats and maintaining American sovereignty. He underscores the need for strategic foreign policy and critiques the opposition for failing to provide effective alternatives.

Ben Shapiro [50:00]: "Recognize that we live in a world filled with harsh enemies who are perfectly willing to fill gaps left by the United States... China is an oppressive communist tyranny that steals IP, undercuts American markets, and targets all of America's interests for destruction."

Call to Action

Encouraging listeners to support The Daily Wire and become members, Shapiro emphasizes the significance of independent media in providing unfiltered news and combating mainstream media biases.

Ben Shapiro [51:20]: "If you want the full show uncensored, uninterrupted, unshackled from big tech overlords, there's only one way to do that. Become a Daily Wire plus member."

Final Commentary on U.S. Policies and Global Positioning

Shapiro concludes by highlighting the dual nature of U.S. policies—balancing between dismantling inefficient programs and safeguarding against foreign influence, particularly from China. He stresses the necessity of intelligent policy-making to avoid unintended consequences.

Ben Shapiro [53:10]: "Policy is complex and shaded. It's not all good and it's not all bad when it comes to things like USAID... Nuking the entire agency could be opening the door to Chinese influence operations all over the globe."

Overall Summary:

Episode 2130 of The Ben Shapiro Show delves deep into President Trump's assertive foreign and trade policies, emphasizing the administration's efforts to counter Chinese influence in strategic locations like the Panama Canal and challenging trade imbalances through significant tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Shapiro critiques internal opposition efforts to undermine U.S. agencies like USAID, highlighting the risks of increased foreign dominance, particularly by China. The episode also features a scathing review of the Democratic National Committee's leadership and a cultural critique of the Grammy Awards, underscoring a broader narrative of defending conservative values against perceived liberal overextensions in politics and popular culture.