Podcast Summary: The Ben Shapiro Show – Ep. 2152: The Supreme Court ATTACKS DOGE Cuts!

Release Date: March 6, 2025

In Episode 2152 of The Ben Shapiro Show, host Ben Shapiro delves into a multitude of pressing issues ranging from Supreme Court decisions affecting the Trump administration's budgetary maneuvers to international trade wars and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, notable quotes, and insightful analyses.

1. President Trump's Joint Address and Democratic Backlash

Ben Shapiro opens the episode by reflecting on President Trump's recent address to a joint session of Congress. He emphasizes the stark contrast between the overwhelming Republican enthusiasm and the disorganized, demoralized response from Democrats.

Ben Shapiro [00:00]: "The enthusiasm in the room from the Republicans was off the charts. And the radical depression into which Democrats have sunk is quite real."

Shapiro criticizes the Democrats' inability to provide substantive responses, likening their behavior to that of "spoiled college students." He underscores this as a significant optic victory for President Trump, especially as the administration enters what he terms the "most tumultuous period" of Trump's presidency.

2. Introduction of Mary Margaret Olihan – The Daily Wire's White House Correspondent

Shapiro introduces Mary Margaret Olihan, The Daily Wire's first-ever White House correspondent, congratulating her on securing a prominent position in the White House press room.

Mary Margaret Olihan [03:23]: "It was great to be here, and the White House has become one of the most leading conservative news outlets in the world."

Olihan shares her experiences, including her time on Air Force One, highlighting behind-the-scenes operations and the challenges faced by the Trump administration in implementing budget cuts.

3. The Supreme Court's Ruling on Doge Cuts

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the Supreme Court's decision regarding the Trump administration's efforts to cut USAID spending, colloquially referred to as the "Doge Cuts." Shapiro breaks down the legal ramifications of the Supreme Court's 5-4 decision to remand the case back to the district court for further clarification.

Ben Shapiro [07:34]: "This raises a very serious constitutional issue. Can one low-level district court judge actually shut down a presidential nationwide action?"

Justice Samuel Alito's dissent is highlighted, where he vehemently opposes the majority's decision, labeling it as an overreach of judicial authority.

Justice Alito [Excerpts]: "Does a single district court judge who likely lacks jurisdiction have the unchecked power to compel the government...?"

Shapiro agrees with Alito, asserting that the Supreme Court's decision exemplifies judicial hubris and poses a threat to presidential authority.

4. USDA Employee Firings and Legal Challenges

Shapiro discusses the administration's controversial decision to fire over 5,600 probationary employees from the Department of Agriculture. A federal civil service board ruled these dismissals potentially unlawful, mandating the reinstatement of the employees at least temporarily.

Ben Shapiro [08:54]: "Nobody, including veterans, has a right to a job from the federal government. But it would be a smart move for the Trump administration to help veterans transition to the private sector."

He points out that while these legal setbacks are temporary, they signal the hurdles the administration faces in enforcing its budgetary cuts without Congressional backing.

5. Tariffs and Trade Wars with Canada and Mexico

A substantial segment of the episode analyzes the Trump administration's aggressive tariff policies aimed at Canada and Mexico, intended to leverage cheaper tariffs and enforce border security.

Ben Shapiro [25:00]: "A giant regime of increased tariffs will harm the American economy. They are not good or easy to win."

Shapiro outlines the economic pitfalls of tariff wars, including market contraction, increased consumer prices, and undermining the US Dollar's value. He critiques the unpredictability these tariffs introduce, drawing parallels to a "phone line full of static," which business leaders find detrimental to long-term investments.

Discussing potential legislative solutions, Shapiro mentions the concept of "rescission," a process where Congress can vote to withdraw funding. He notes that leaders like Senator Rand Paul advocate for this to codify budget cuts through Congressional action, providing a legal pathway to sustain these fiscal measures.

6. Ukraine Conflict and U.S. Foreign Policy

Shapiro shifts focus to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, examining the U.S. administration's strategy to apply pressure on both Ukrainian and Russian sides to expedite peace negotiations.

Ben Shapiro [35:00]: "The movement is all on the Ukrainian side. Russia remains steadfast in its demands, making genuine peace negotiations challenging."

He criticizes the lack of reciprocity from Russia, emphasizing that without Russian movement, peace remains elusive. Shapiro also addresses Secretary of State Marco Rubio's strong rhetoric against Hamas and applauds the administration's firm stance.

Marco Rubio [47:57]: "These people have been in captivity now for over a year and a half. These are monsters. It needs to stop."

7. Criminal Investigation into a Former Kamala Harris Aide

In a breaking story segment, Shapiro reports on the Trump administration's investigation into a former aide of Vice President Kamala Harris. The probe centers on allegations of forgery and unethical maneuvers to secure a position at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Ben Shapiro [49:00]: "This is a bunch of sleight of hands that resulted in Siegel being hired just before the Biden administration left, making it harder to fire him."

He underscores the administration's commitment to uncovering "waste, fraud, and abuse," positioning the investigation as a testament to Doge's dedication to accountability.

8. Preview of Upcoming Topics

Concluding the episode, Shapiro teases upcoming discussions on cultural issues, including Viola Davis's controversial remarks on Black History Month and Lin-Manuel Miranda's decision to halt performances at the Kennedy Center due to political disagreements with Donald Trump.

Ben Shapiro [50:00]: "To hear my thoughts on that, you do have to become a subscriber."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Shapiro [00:00]: "The enthusiasm in the room from the Republicans was off the charts."

• Mary Margaret Olihan [03:23]: "It's a big, big deal to have you guys on campus."

• Ben Shapiro [07:34]: "Can one low-level district court judge actually shut down a presidential nationwide action?"

• Justice Alito [Excerpts]: "Does a single district court judge who likely lacks jurisdiction have the unchecked power to compel the government...?"

• Ben Shapiro [25:00]: "A giant regime of increased tariffs will harm the American economy."

• Ben Shapiro [35:00]: "The movement is all on the Ukrainian side."

• Marco Rubio [47:57]: "These people have been in captivity now for over a year and a half. These are monsters. It needs to stop."

Conclusion

Episode 2152 of The Ben Shapiro Show offers a thorough examination of the Trump administration's challenges and strategies, both domestically and internationally. From judicial overreach in budget cuts to contentious trade policies and pivotal foreign engagements, Shapiro provides listeners with a detailed conservative perspective on current events. The episode underscores the administration's confrontational stance against perceived Democratic incompetence and sets the stage for upcoming cultural debates.

For those seeking in-depth conservative analysis on today's most pressing issues, this episode serves as a valuable resource, encapsulating Ben Shapiro's uncompromising approach to news and politics.