The Ben Shapiro Show Episode 2156: Trump SLASHES AND BURNS Through Department of Education! Release Date: March 12, 2025 Host: Ben Shapiro | Produced by The Daily Wire

1. Introduction and Pardon for Derek Chauvin

Ben Shapiro opens the episode by addressing multiple current events, emphasizing President Trump's efforts to rectify what he perceives as injustices perpetuated by the previous administration.

• Petition for Derek Chauvin Pardon:
  • Timestamp [00:00]: "Derek Chauvin was railroaded to appease a mob."
  • Shapiro urges listeners to support a pardon for Derek Chauvin, asserting that true conservative principles demand rectifying this perceived miscarriage of justice.
  • Call to Action: "Go to pardonederek.com right now, sign the petition."

2. Trump's Department of Education Cuts

Shapiro delves into President Trump's significant restructuring and reduction of the Department of Education.

• Workforce Reduction:

  • Timestamp [02:15]: "The U.S. Department of Education announced on Tuesday it is cutting nearly 50% of its entire workforce."
  • Trump aims to eliminate the agency, arguing that its functions are either redundant or better handled privately.

• Budget Allocation:

  • Timestamp [04:30]: "The Office of Federal Student Aid has a budgetary obligation of $68.77 billion."
  • Shapiro highlights the massive allocation towards federal student loans, criticizing the inflation of college costs due to federal subsidies.

3. Higher Education Critique and Federal Student Aid

Shapiro provides an in-depth analysis of the Department of Education's role, focusing on federal student aid and the broader implications for higher education.

• Federal vs. State Funding:

  • Timestamp [03:45]: "The vast majority of public school spending is state and local spending."
  • He clarifies misconceptions about federal funding in public education, stressing that the Department primarily handles student loans.

• Inflation of College Degrees:

  • Timestamp [05:50]: "We've artificially inflated the necessity for a degree in this country."
  • Shapiro criticizes the overemphasis on obtaining college degrees, attributing it to a signal category error from the 1960s.

4. Civil Rights and Anti-Semitism on Campuses

Addressing issues within higher education, Shapiro focuses on anti-Semitism and the Trump administration's response.

• Federal Funding and Campus Policies:

  • Timestamp [12:30]: "The Trump administration is cracking down on 60 other schools."
  • The administration is threatening to revoke federal funding from universities failing to uphold civil rights for Jewish students.

• Statements from Education Secretary Linda McMahon:

  • Timestamp [07:15]: "Today's reduction in force reflects the Department of Education's commitment to efficiency, accountability..."
  • McMahon emphasizes the department's streamlined focus amidst impending closures.

5. Tariff Wars: EU and Canada Responses

Shapiro discusses the escalating trade tensions initiated by President Trump, particularly focusing on retaliatory tariffs from the European Union and Canada.

• EU Retaliatory Tariffs:

  • Timestamp [31:20]: "The European Union announced retaliatory trade action with new duties on US Industrial and farm products."
  • The EU targets US goods worth approximately $28 billion, aiming at sectors like textiles, home appliances, and agricultural products.

• Trade War with Canada:

  • Timestamp [39:21]: "Doug Ford... is going to be issuing an export tax on electricity in retaliation for the tariffs that are being levied against Canada."
  • Shapiro highlights the back-and-forth tariff increases, questioning the strategic rationale behind targeting Canada, a key US trading partner.

6. Immigration Issues: Mahmoud Khalil

The episode addresses the controversial case of Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder associated with terrorist activities.

• Deportation Efforts:

  • Timestamp [16:11]: Donald Trump: "I think we ought to get them all out of the country."
  • Shapiro supports Trump's stance on deporting individuals like Khalil who are perceived as threats due to their affiliations.

• Legal Perspectives:

  • Timestamp [19:50]: Andy McCarthy, National Review: "Our law does not privilege green card holders over other classes of aliens."
  • The discussion underscores the legal framework allowing deportation of green card holders involved in terrorism.

7. Government Shutdown Avoidance

Shapiro commends the Republican efforts to pass a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown, framing it as a strategic victory.

• House Committee Actions:
  • Timestamp [45:50]: "The House did pass with only one Republican vote lost... a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown."
  • This move is portrayed as crucial for maintaining Republican influence and preventing Democratic narratives.

8. Trump and Elon Musk's Tesla Collaboration

A significant segment covers the collaborative efforts between President Trump and Elon Musk, showcasing Trump's support for Tesla amidst challenges.

• Tesla Production Boost:

  • Timestamp [49:10]: Donald Trump: "I'm going to buy. And I'm going to buy because number one, it's a great product..."
  • Shapiro highlights Musk's announcement to double vehicle output, attributing it to supportive Trump policies.

• Self-Driving Vehicles:

  • Timestamp [49:24]: Ben Shapiro: "The cybercap starts production in Texas next year and it's self-driving."
  • Discussion centers on Tesla's innovative self-driving technology and its implications for the automotive industry.

9. Federal Trade Commission Changes

Shapiro discusses the Trump administration's overhaul of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), emphasizing deregulation and support for big business.

• Andrew Ferguson's Policies:
  • Timestamp [51:00]: "Andrew Ferguson... said he's no longer going to let proposed deals die on the Vine."
  • The new FTC chair focuses on evaluating mergers based on consumer harm, reversing previous stringent regulations.

10. Economic Policies and Manufacturing

An analysis of Trump's economic strategies, particularly tariffs, and their impact on the manufacturing sector.

• Manufacturing Efficiency:

  • Timestamp [32:44]: "Manufacturing output has risen dramatically from its low point in about 2010."
  • Shapiro explains that increased efficiency, not tariffs, has driven manufacturing output, though employment dynamics suggest high operational costs.

• Critique of Tariff Strategy:

  • Timestamp [44:15]: "If the idea is the tariffs themselves enrich the American people, that is against pretty much all economic knowledge..."
  • He questions the efficacy of tariffs as a means to bolster the economy, citing potential negative repercussions.

11. Domestic Terrorism at Tesla Dealerships

Shapiro addresses violence at Tesla dealerships, framing it as domestic terrorism and advocating for strict measures.

• Labeling Violence as Terrorism:
  • Timestamp [50:13]: Donald Trump: "Some say they should be labeled domestic terrorists. I will do that."
  • Emphasizes the administration's commitment to protecting American companies from politically motivated violence.

12. Conclusion and Call to Action

Ben Shapiro wraps up the episode by reinforcing the successes of the Trump administration and urging listeners to support conservative initiatives.

• Economic Stability as Success:

  • Timestamp [52:28]: "The only way Democrats are able to get back into power is if the economy slows or goes into recession."
  • Shapiro underscores the importance of maintaining a robust economy to ensure Republican victories in future elections.

• Membership Promotion:

  • Though not content-related, Shapiro concludes with a promotional segment encouraging listeners to become members for additional content and benefits.

Key Takeaways:

• Education Reform: Aggressive cuts to the Department of Education aim to reduce federal influence on higher education and eliminate perceived inefficiencies.

• Civil Rights Enforcement: The Trump administration is actively enforcing civil rights on campuses, particularly targeting anti-Semitism, with significant financial repercussions for non-compliant institutions.

• Trade Policies: Trump's tariff strategies are designed to protect American industries but have sparked retaliatory measures from major trading partners like the EU and Canada, raising questions about their long-term efficacy.

• Immigration and Security: Strong emphasis on deporting individuals associated with terrorism underscores the administration's commitment to national security.

• Economic and Regulatory Changes: Deregulatory moves, especially within the FTC, reflect a pro-business stance aimed at fostering economic growth and reducing governmental interference.

• Support for American Businesses: Initiatives like supporting Tesla and labeling violence at dealerships as terrorism highlight the administration's focus on strengthening American enterprises against external and internal threats.

Notable Quotes:

1. Ben Shapiro on Higher Education:

   • [05:50]: "We've artificially inflated the necessity for a degree in this country."

2. Donald Trump on Deportation:

   • [16:11]: "I think we ought to get them all out of the country. They're troublemakers, they're agitators. They don't love our country. We ought to get them the hell out."

3. Mike Waltz on Ceasefire Negotiations:

   • [22:35]: "We want to get that war over with."

4. Ben Shapiro on Tariffs:

   • [44:15]: "If the idea is the tariffs themselves enrich the American people, that is against pretty much all economic knowledge for the last couple of centuries or so."

5. Donald Trump on Domestic Terrorism:

   • [50:13]: "Some say they should be labeled domestic terrorists. I will do that."

Conclusion:

Episode 2156 of The Ben Shapiro Show presents a comprehensive overview of President Trump's aggressive policy maneuvers across education, trade, immigration, and economic regulation. Shapiro consistently frames these actions as necessary corrections to previous administrative missteps, championing them as victories for conservative principles. The episode intertwines policy analysis with active encouragement for listener engagement, solidifying its stance against liberal opposition and promoting a steadfast support for the current administration's agenda.