Podcast Summary: The Ben Shapiro Show - Ep. 2169: BREAKING: Le Pen BANNED?!?
Release Date: March 31, 2025
Introduction and Overview
In Episode 2169 of The Ben Shapiro Show, host Ben Shapiro delves into a range of pressing global and domestic issues, primarily focusing on President Donald Trump's foreign and economic policies, the recent judicial actions against French politician Marine Le Pen, and the evolving political landscape in South Africa. The episode provides an incisive analysis of current events, interspersed with interviews and expert opinions, aiming to present a conservative perspective on complex matters.
President Trump's Foreign Policy
Timestamp: 00:00 - 04:35
Ben Shapiro begins by highlighting President Trump's steadfast approach to foreign policy, emphasizing his resistance against both isolationist factions on the right and anti-American sentiments on the left. A key focus is the "Signalgate" controversy, where a national security group chat mistakenly included Jeffrey Goldberg from The Atlantic. Shapiro asserts that President Trump effectively dismissed the incident, labeling it a "witch hunt."
Ben Shapiro [01:34]: "President Trump is ignoring the foolishness in favor of the actual policy."
Shapiro references a brief phone interview with NBC's Kristen Welker, where Trump expressed confidence in his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Adviser Mike Walz, despite media scrutiny.
US-Russia-Ukraine Relations
Timestamp: 04:35 - 23:27
The discussion shifts to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Shapiro criticizes Vladimir Putin's strategies, suggesting that Putin is prolonging the war to weaken Western support for Ukraine. He contrasts this with President Trump's clear stance against Putin, showcasing Trump’s willingness to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil if a deal to stop the bloodshed isn't reached.
Kristen Welker [04:35]: "President Trump said he is, quote, 'pissed off with Russia's President Putin' and threatened to impose secondary tariffs on Russia's oil."
Shapiro explains that secondary tariffs would not only target Russia but any country buying Russian oil, potentially crippling Russia's economy. He underscores Trump's direct and transparent communication style, arguing that Trump doesn't engage in backroom maneuvers but speaks his mind clearly.
Iran Nuclear Negotiations
Timestamp: 23:27 - 38:53
Ben Shapiro addresses the Trump administration's handling of Iran's nuclear program. He criticizes the Obama-era JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal), labeling it ineffective and dangerous. Shapiro argues that President Trump has taken a firmer stance by opening negotiations and threatening significant actions if Iran continues its nuclear pursuits.
Ben Shapiro [28:16]: "We're going to provide tax benefits, tax credits to the people who buy American cars. This is a genius thing that President Trump promised on the campaign trail."
Shapiro contends that negotiating with Iran should empower the U.S. to exert pressure and ensure that Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons, contrasting this with previous administration policies that he views as too lenient.
Domestic Economy and Tariffs
Timestamp: 38:53 - 74:00
Trump's Approval Ratings and Economic Impact
Shapiro cites a CBS poll indicating President Trump's approval rating holds steady at 50%, with specific breakdowns in areas like immigration (53% approval) and the economy (48% approval). However, he points out a significant 33-point swing in public perception regarding whether Trump's policies are making Americans financially better off.
Ben Shapiro [23:27]: "President Trump is at a 50% approval rating."
Shapiro critiques Trump's aggressive tariff policies, arguing that broad, high tariffs will harm American consumers by increasing the cost of imported goods. He debunks the notion that tariffs can serve as tax cuts, emphasizing that they are, in fact, taxes on consumers.
Senate GOP Budget Plans
The episode discusses the Senate GOP's plans to advance a budget resolution aimed at implementing President Trump's economic agenda, including significant tax cuts. Shapiro expresses skepticism about the executive's authority to impose unprecedented tariffs without congressional approval, stressing the potential economic fallout.
Ben Shapiro [28:34]: "Tariffs are a tax on American consumers."
He warns that aggressive tariff strategies could lead to economic downturns, referencing concerns about stagflation and reduced consumer spending. Shapiro underscores the importance of predictable economic policies to maintain investor confidence and economic stability.
Foreign Policy and National Interests
JD Vance in Greenland
Timestamp: 09:13 - 17:45
Ben Shapiro highlights Vice President J.D. Vance's recent visit to Greenland, where Vance criticized Denmark for underinvesting in Greenland's security and infrastructure. Shapiro emphasizes the strategic importance of Greenland for U.S. national security, particularly regarding Arctic trade routes and military installations like the Pituffik Space Base.
J.D. Vance [10:17]: "There is no amount of bullying, no amount of obfuscating... You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland."
Shapiro notes President Trump's open interest in potentially acquiring Greenland, even without military force, underscoring the U.S.'s long-standing attempts to secure the territory due to its geopolitical significance.
Judicial Political Actions
Banning of Marine Le Pen in France
Timestamp: 74:00 - 77:04
A significant portion of the episode scrutinizes a French court's decision to ban Marine Le Pen from seeking public office for five years and sentencing her to prison for misusing EU funds. Shapiro frames this as part of a broader pattern of left-leaning judicial bodies undermining populist politicians globally.
Ben Shapiro [77:04]: "They're suspending her jail sentence, but they are not suspending, banning her from running....just the latest NAITO member to reject a populist candidate over some sort of judicial intervention."
Shapiro draws parallels with similar actions against other populist leaders in countries like Brazil, Romania, and Israel, arguing that these judicial overreaches undermine democracy by thwarting the will of the people.
South Africa's Political Issues
Timestamp: 38:53 - 74:00
Interview with Dr. Ernst Roots
In an extended interview with Dr. Ernst Roots, an Afrikaner activist from South Africa, Shapiro explores the deep-seated political and racial tensions in the country post-apartheid. Dr. Roots critiques the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), attributing South Africa's current struggles to oppressive policies and ideological shifts towards socialism and racial nationalism.
Donald Trump [64:40]: "Federalism. A decentralized system that's based on the idea of self-governance."
Dr. Roots and Shapiro advocate for a decentralized political system, suggesting that greater self-governance and federalism could alleviate the existing conflicts and inefficiencies. They argue that the current central government structure fosters division and fails to address the diverse needs of South Africa's multifaceted population.
Decentralization as a Solution
Shapiro and Dr. Roots propose that adopting federalism would allow various cultural and regional groups within South Africa to govern themselves more effectively, reducing friction and promoting unity. They criticize the imposition of top-down policies that do not account for the country's cultural and historical complexities.
Donald Trump [69:29]: "We need to find a solution that would work for people...bring government closer to the people is widely accepted."
The discussion emphasizes the failure of constitutional guarantees in materializing tangible benefits, such as housing and healthcare, highlighting a disconnect between written rights and real-world outcomes.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Ben Shapiro wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of addressing both foreign and domestic policies with clarity and conviction. He warns of potential economic downturns resulting from aggressive tariff implementations and judicial overreach, advocating for policies that prioritize American consumers and national interests.
Ben Shapiro [73:34]: "They don't mean anything."
The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to stay informed and engaged, emphasizing the significance of coherent and principled leadership in navigating complex global and economic landscapes.
Notable Quotes
- Ben Shapiro [01:34]: "President Trump is ignoring the foolishness in favor of the actual policy."
- Kristen Welker [04:35]: "President Trump said he is, quote, 'pissed off with Russia's President Putin' and threatened to impose secondary tariffs on Russia's oil."
- J.D. Vance [10:17]: "There is no amount of bullying, no amount of obfuscating... You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland."
- Donald Trump [64:40]: "Federalism. A decentralized system that's based on the idea of self-governance."
- Ben Shapiro [73:34]: "They don't mean anything."
This episode of The Ben Shapiro Show provides a comprehensive analysis of current geopolitical tensions, economic policies, and judicial actions affecting both the United States and the broader international community. Through detailed discussions and expert interviews, Shapiro presents a conservative viewpoint aimed at dissecting the complexities of modern governance and policy-making.