Podcast Summary: The Ben Shapiro Show – Ep. 2166 Title: Democrat Launches Verbal ASSAULT on Disabled Texas Governor: “HOT WHEELS” Release Date: March 26, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 2166 of The Ben Shapiro Show, Ben Shapiro delves into a significant national security controversy involving a breach of classified communications within the Trump administration. The episode also explores President Trump's enduring popularity, critiques Democratic responses, and discusses recent executive actions taken by the administration. Additionally, Shapiro addresses the ongoing campaign for Derek Chauvin’s pardon and engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Stephen A. Smith on criminal justice and policy-making.

Signal Chat Breach and National Security Concerns

Timestamp: [00:00]

The episode begins with Shapiro discussing a recent scandal where a Democrat, Tulsi Gabbard, inadvertently invited Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, to a private Signal chat among Trump’s national security officials. This chat included sensitive discussions about potential military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. Shapiro argues that the outrage surrounding this incident is overstated, comparing it to past national security breaches that did not result in significant consequences.

Ben Shapiro [00:30]: "People are pretending... the idea that anyone takes this stuff super seriously at the top level is kind of ridiculous."

Shapiro emphasizes that the absence of prosecutions for similar breaches over the past 15 years diminishes the alleged seriousness of this incident. He highlights statements from Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who both assert that no classified information was disclosed in the chat.

President Trump's Popularity Amidst Controversy

Timestamp: [04:50]

Addressing President Trump’s popularity, Shapiro cites Harry Enten from CNN, who notes that Trump's current favorability ratings surpass any point in his political career. Despite ongoing Democratic attempts to portray Trump as deeply unpopular, Shapiro asserts that his administration remains resilient unless a substantial scandal directly undermines Trump’s core agenda.

Ben Shapiro [05:15]: "Unless a scandal actually goes to sort of the core of the Trump administration... it's not going to harm Trump in any serious way."

Shapiro underscores that Trump's steadfast support is reflected in his steadily improving favorability ratings, suggesting that without significant policy failures or scandals, his political standing remains strong.

Analysis of the Signal Chat Incident

Timestamp: [07:10]

Shapiro provides a detailed breakdown of the Signal chat conversation, highlighting messages from the Secretary of Defense and other officials regarding the timing and execution of missile strikes against the Houthis. He argues that the inclusion of Goldberg, despite the lack of classified information, posed minimal threat due to the successful execution of the intended military actions.

Ben Shapiro [07:45]: "If this was classified, it might be a legal problem. But since there was no classified information, it’s more of an impropriety."

He differentiates between legal violations and political fallout, suggesting that the former is unlikely without intent to disclose sensitive information. Shapiro also critiques the Democrats' inconsistencies in handling classified information scandals involving figures like Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden.

Democratic Reactions and Criticism

Timestamp: [10:02]

Shapiro criticizes Democrats' reactions to the Signal chat incident, labeling their outrage as exaggerated and politically motivated. He mentions Representative Jasmine Crockett’s condemnation of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, whom she derogatorily refers to as "Hot Wheels," insinuating incompetence and mismanagement.

Ben Shapiro [18:09]: "She is insulting a paraplegic for being in a wheelchair by calling him Hot Wheels."

Shapiro argues that such remarks reflect the Democratic Party's tendency to target and demean leaders they oppose, rather than constructively addressing policy issues.

Focus on Representative Jasmine Crockett’s Remarks

Timestamp: [17:52]

A significant portion of the episode centers on Jasmine Crockett’s verbal assault on Governor Greg Abbott. Shapiro dissects her comments, emphasizing the inappropriateness of mocking a disabled governor and critiques her attempt to deflect the insult by claiming her remarks were solely about Abbott’s migration policies.

Ben Shapiro [19:13]: "She wrote on X, 'I wasn't thinking about the governor's condition. I was thinking about the planes...'"

Shapiro exposes inconsistencies in Crockett’s statements and highlights the backlash from reputable organizations like the Washington Free Beacon, which uncovered Crockett’s prior endorsement of the derogatory nickname. He underscores the problematic nature of such behavior coming from representatives of the Human Rights Campaign, an organization purportedly dedicated to equality.

President Trump's Executive Orders

Timestamp: [26:00]

Shapiro shifts focus to recent executive actions by President Trump, detailing two significant orders:

1. Election Administration Changes: Imposing stricter rules on mail-in voting, mandating that ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted. Shapiro defends this move as essential for maintaining electoral integrity.

   Ben Shapiro [28:00]: "The trust and veracity of the American electoral system is deeply undermined by this idea that you can receive a ballot three days after an election and still count it."

2. Declassification of Crossfire Hurricane Files: Directing the FBI to declassify all documents related to the controversial Crossfire Hurricane investigation into the Trump campaign. Shapiro lauds this as a transparency measure aimed at exposing governmental corruption.

   Ben Shapiro [29:54]: "This was total weaponization. It's a disgrace. Should never happen in this country."

Shapiro argues that these actions are necessary to safeguard democracy and ensure accountability within government institutions.

Debt Limit Increase and GOP Strategies

Timestamp: [34:25]

Addressing fiscal policy, Shapiro discusses the GOP's strategy to include a debt limit increase in a comprehensive bill, avoiding negotiations with Democrats. He highlights Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s efforts to secure support from hardline Republicans, emphasizing that this approach aims to prevent economic instability caused by trade wars and protectionist policies.

Ben Shapiro [35:06]: "The one big, beautiful bill leads to economic certainty. It leads to deregulation in certain areas. It leads to lower taxes."

Shapiro warns of the global rise in protectionism, comparing current trends to the isolationist fervor of the 1930s, stressing the importance of maintaining open trade to prevent economic stagnation.

Campaign for Derek Chauvin’s Pardon and Conversation with Stephen A. Smith

Timestamp: [41:29]

In a compelling segment, Shapiro updates listeners on the campaign to pardon Derek Chauvin. He recounts his recent conversation with sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, where they discussed the rigidity of beliefs surrounding Chauvin’s conviction. Shapiro critiques the idea that personal experience should override data-driven policy-making in criminal justice.

Stephen A. Smith [42:36]: "I saw people bringing up his arrest record... But if we're making public policy, it has to be based on data."

Shapiro reiterates the importance of basing laws on empirical evidence rather than anecdotal experiences, advocating for policies that treat individuals as equal under the law.

Ben Shapiro [43:47]: "When it comes to making public policy, then the only sort of gauge that you can have really, is the data."

The discussion underscores the tension between personal narratives and statistical analysis in shaping effective and fair public policies.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Timestamp: [45:29]

Wrapping up the episode, Shapiro emphasizes the resilience of the Trump administration amidst Democratic challenges and critiques. He underscores the administration’s focus on robust national security measures, electoral integrity, and fiscal responsibility. Additionally, Shapiro highlights the importance of data-driven policy-making and maintaining transparency within government operations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Shapiro [00:30]: "People are pretending... the idea that anyone takes this stuff super seriously at the top level is kind of ridiculous."
• Ben Shapiro [05:15]: "Unless a scandal actually goes to sort of the core of the Trump administration... it's not going to harm Trump in any serious way."
• Ben Shapiro [07:45]: "If this was classified, it might be a legal problem. But since there was no classified information, it’s more of an impropriety."
• Ben Shapiro [18:09]: "She is insulting a paraplegic for being in a wheelchair by calling him Hot Wheels."
• Ben Shapiro [19:13]: "She wrote on X, 'I wasn't thinking about the governor's condition. I was thinking about the planes...'"
• Ben Shapiro [26:00]: "The trust and veracity of the American electoral system is deeply undermined by this idea that you can receive a ballot three days after an election and still count it."
• Ben Shapiro [29:54]: "This was total weaponization. It's a disgrace. Should never happen in this country."
• Ben Shapiro [35:06]: "The one big, beautiful bill leads to economic certainty. It leads to deregulation in certain areas. It leads to lower taxes."
• Ben Shapiro [43:47]: "When it comes to making public policy, then the only sort of gauge that you can have really, is the data."

Final Thoughts

Episode 2166 of The Ben Shapiro Show presents a robust defense of the Trump administration amidst current controversies, emphasizing the administration’s achievements and resilience. Shapiro critically examines Democratic tactics, underscores the importance of data-driven policy-making, and advocates for transparency and accountability in government. The episode serves as a comprehensive analysis of ongoing political dynamics, offering listeners a conservative perspective on key national issues.