Summary of The Ben Shapiro Show - Ep. 2165: National Security Bombshell & The Case For Derek Chauvin Ep.3 | The Autopsy

Release Date: March 25, 2025

National Security Leak: An Accidental Inclusion

The episode opens with Ben Shapiro revealing a significant breach within the Trump administration's national security team. An accidental inclusion of journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, former editor of The Atlantic, in a Signal chat containing top national security officials has sparked major controversy.

Ben Shapiro [00:00]: "A huge blow up when pretty much all the members of the national security team of Team Trump end up in a Signal chat with a journalist accidentally."

Details of the Leak:

• Accidental Inclusion: Goldberg was mistakenly added to a Signal group meant for high-ranking officials discussing a military strike on the Houthis.

• Potential Misstep: The error likely occurred due to similar initials between Goldberg and the intended contact, U.S. Trade Representative Jamie Singer.

Jeffrey Goldberg [00:02]: "I knew two hours before the first bombs exploded that the attack might be coming."

Implications:

• Security Breach: The inclusion of a journalist in sensitive discussions raises questions about operational security within the administration.

• Political Fallout: The incident has drawn sharp criticism from both Democrats and certain Republicans, highlighting internal tensions.

Pete Hegseth [14:31]: "This is a serious mistake. The last thing you want to do when you're talking about war plans is to have a serious leak like this."

Analyzing the Fallout

Political Responses:

• President Trump's Denial: Trump claims no knowledge of the leak and criticizes The Atlantic as a failing publication.

  Donald Trump [13:45]: "I don't know anything about it. I'm not a big fan of the Atlantic."

• Defense from National Security Officials: Officials like Pete Hegseth and former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta condemn The Atlantic and Goldberg, reinforcing the administration's stance against perceived media bias.

  Leon Panetta [18:48]: "Having somebody from the Atlantic on that chain was a serious mistake."

Legal and Security Concerns:

• Potential Violations: The use of Signal, an encrypted messaging platform, for classified discussions may breach official records acts and other security protocols.

• Administration's Stance: Shapiro argues that while it is a significant mistake, the legal repercussions may be overstated due to the President's authority to declassify information.

  Ben Shapiro [17:00]: "The President of the United States has the ability to simply declassify whatever he wants."

Intra-Administration Foreign Policy Debates

The leak has unveiled divergent views within the Trump administration regarding foreign policy, particularly concerning actions against the Houthis in Yemen.

Key Players:

• Mike Waltz: Advocates for decisive military action to restore freedom of navigation and deter Iranian influence.

  Mike Waltz [8:05am Friday]: "Whether it's now or several weeks from now, it will have to be the United States that reopens these shipping lanes."

• J.D. Vance (Vice President): Suggests delaying military action to manage economic impacts and improve public messaging.

  J.D. Vance [8:16]: "There's a real risk. The public doesn't understand this or why it's necessary."

Shapiro's Analysis:

Shapiro highlights that Vance's stance contradicts President Trump's aggressive foreign policy, indicating deep ideological rifts within the administration.

Ben Shapiro [35:00]: "Vice President Vance has a very different view of foreign policy than the Trump foreign policy. That is just a reality."

Economic Developments: Tariffs and Deregulation

Shapiro transitions to economic news, focusing on President Trump's tariff policies and ongoing deregulation efforts aimed at fostering a business-friendly environment.

Tariff Agenda:

• Reciprocal Tariffs: Trump considers softening or exempting certain countries from planned tariffs to mitigate recession fears.

  Ben Shapiro [44:00]: "President Trump said he might soften reciprocal tariffs he plans to impose on U.S. trading partners next month."

• Market Reactions: U.S. markets respond positively to the possibility of relaxed tariffs, boosting investor confidence.

  Donald Trump [45:30]: "We have probably identified maybe $4 trillion worth of companies moving back or going to move back."

Deregulation Efforts:

• EPA Cuts: Significant reductions in Environmental Protection Agency contracts are highlighted, emphasizing the administration's commitment to cutting governmental "fat."

  Leon Panetta [46:31]: "EPA has now canceled over $22 billion worth of contracts."

The Case for Derek Chauvin: Autopsy Report Examination

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to scrutinizing the autopsy reports related to George Floyd's death, arguing for Chauvin's pardon based on perceived judicial and medical inconsistencies.

Official Autopsy Findings:

• Cause of Death: Cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement restraint and neck compression.

• Medical Conditions: Severe pre-existing heart disease and high levels of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Floyd's system.

  Dr. Andrew Baker [Official Autopsy, 00:40]: "No life-threatening injuries identified."

Independent Autopsy Contradictions:

• Alternative Conclusions: Dr. Michael Baden and Dr. Alicia Wilson assert that Floyd died from asphyxia due to neck and back compression without underlying medical issues.

  Dr. Michael Baden [Autopsy]: "I wish I had the same coronary arteries that Mr. Floyd had that we saw at the autopsy."

Critical Analysis by Shapiro:

• Credibility Issues: Shapiro questions the objectivity of the independent autopsy, citing Dr. Baden's controversial history and potential biases.

• Legal Implications: Emphasizes that discrepancies between autopsies undermine the fairness of Chauvin's trial, advocating for a presidential pardon or a new trial.

  Ben Shapiro [38:00]: "The detailed autopsy findings provide significant reasons to determine that Derek Chauvin did not receive a fair trial."

Political Pressure and Media Influence:

Shapiro discusses how political and media pressures may have influenced the official autopsy findings, further questioning the legitimacy of Chauvin's conviction.

Ben Shapiro [39:30]: "The original sin of James Comey not prosecuting Hillary Clinton over her emails... this is why it's so ridiculous."

Conclusion and Forward Look

Shapiro wraps up by reiterating the importance of addressing both the security leak within the Trump administration and the need for justice reform in high-profile cases like Derek Chauvin's. He underscores the ongoing debates within the administration and the broader implications for U.S. policy and governance.

Ben Shapiro [50:53]: "All this is, in fact, having a massive impact. The successes of the Trump administration continue to stack up."

This episode of The Ben Shapiro Show intricately weaves together national security issues, intra-administration conflicts, economic policies, and a critical examination of a high-profile legal case. Through detailed analysis and pointed commentary, Shapiro presents a comprehensive conservative perspective on these pressing topics.