The Ben Shapiro Show: Ep. 2182 - The Democrat/MS-13 Love Match

Release Date: April 18, 2025 | Host: Ben Shapiro | Platform: The Daily Wire

1. Introduction and Overview

In Episode 2182 of The Ben Shapiro Show, Ben delves into a multifaceted discussion centered around the Democrats' handling of deportation policies, economic impacts of tariffs, Federal Reserve controversies, foreign policy maneuvers, and cultural phenomena. Throughout the episode, Shapiro offers his incisive conservative perspective, critiquing Democratic strategies and highlighting the administration's approaches under President Trump.

2. The Democrat/MS-13 Controversy

a. Critique of Democratic Strategies

Shapiro opens by expressing astonishment at the Democrats' perceived failures in the current political landscape. He asserts, “I have to say I am amazed that the Democrats are this bad at this” (00:20).

b. Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case

The central focus revolves around the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged member of MS-13, despite a court-ordered withholding of removal. Shapiro outlines the sequence:

• Deportation despite Withholding Order: Garcia was deported by the Trump administration despite claims he faced potential danger in El Salvador (01:00).

• Legal Repercussions: The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals harshly criticized the administration's actions, emphasizing the violation of due process (02:10).

c. Democratic Response and Senator Van Hollen’s Actions

Shapiro criticizes Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen for traveling to El Salvador to meet Garcia, portraying it as a political misstep aimed at painting the Trump administration negatively. He highlights Van Hollen's photo op with Garcia and the subsequent backlash from El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele (05:00).

d. Judicial Opinion and Executive Branch Criticism

Referencing Judge Harvey Wilkinson’s opinion, Shapiro underscores the judiciary's condemnation of the Trump administration’s deportation tactics, emphasizing the need for the executive branch to respect court orders (02:48).

e. President Trump's Position

Shapiro quotes President Trump distancing himself from the Garcia case, stating, “I’m not any part of this Abrego Garcia imprisonment story” (05:30), highlighting the administration’s defensive stance against Democratic critiques.

3. Economic Impact of Tariffs and Federal Reserve Actions

a. Slowing Economy and Tariff Effects

Ben discusses remarks from New York Fed President John Williams, noting an expected economic slowdown with GDP growth projected below 1% and unemployment rising to 4.5-5% (11:46). He connects this to the Trump administration's tariff policies, suggesting that these measures are straining the economy.

b. Private Equity Struggles

Referencing the Wall Street Journal, Shapiro explains how private equity firms like Apollo Global Management and Blackstone are experiencing significant stock declines due to market uncertainties and reduced deal-making activities (12:03). He links this instability to the unpredictability of the Trump administration’s economic agenda.

c. Trump's Trade Deal Aspirations

Shapiro highlights President Trump's statements about aspiring to make favorable trade deals with China and the European Union, questioning the feasibility and concrete plans behind these promises (13:36).

4. Federal Reserve Chair Controversy

a. Trump's Threats to Fire Jerome Powell

A significant portion of the episode addresses President Trump's public dissatisfaction with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Shapiro recounts Trump's threats to oust Powell for allegedly "playing politics" and not lowering interest rates as desired (21:18).

b. Legal Constraints on Firing the Fed Chair

Shapiro consults the AI search service Perplexity, which clarifies that the President cannot unilaterally fire the Fed Chair without cause, as defined by misconduct or malfeasance, not merely policy disagreements (22:56).

c. Market and Policy Implications

Discussing the potential ramifications, Shapiro warns that Trump's threats could destabilize financial markets and undermine the Federal Reserve's independence, further exacerbating economic tensions (23:24).

5. Foreign Policy and International Deals

a. Rare Earth Minerals Deal with Ukraine

Shapiro analyzes the complexities of the rare earth minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine, emphasizing the prerequisites for its success, such as peace between Ukraine and Russia. He critiques the administration's optimistic portrayal of the deal's imminence (25:47).

b. China's Support for Russia

Highlighting geopolitical tensions, Shapiro points out China's backing of Russia in the Ukraine conflict, including weaponry support and diplomatic alliances with Southeast Asian nations, which undermine U.S. trade policies and economic strategies (30:59).

c. Negotiations with Iran

The episode touches on ongoing negotiations with Iran regarding nuclear capabilities, with Shapiro noting the administration's steadfast position that Iran's possession of nuclear weapons is unacceptable. He references discussions about potentially replacing Powell to align monetary policy with Trump's trade agendas (46:02).

6. Cultural Segments

a. Horse Girl Artist

Shapiro segues into a critique of contemporary cultural trends, focusing on an artist known as "Horse Girl." He mocks the performer's anthropomorphic persona and lyrical content, viewing it as a decline in cultural and artistic standards (43:10).

b. New Star Wars Film Announcement

He briefly comments on the announcement of a new Star Wars film directed by Sean Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, expressing skepticism about its potential quality and the lack of clear direction post-"Rise of Skywalker" (39:58).

7. Release of RFK Files

a. Exclusive Interview with Mary Margaret Olahan

Shapiro discusses the release of newly discovered files related to the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy. He features insights from Mary Margaret Olahan, a White House correspondent, who attended the unveiling and highlighted the significance of the newly accessible documents (35:50).

b. Implications for Historical Understanding

Olahan shares her experience viewing artifacts such as bullet casings and the camera used during JFK’s assassination, suggesting that these releases may prompt renewed scrutiny and debate over historical narratives (39:58).

8. Second Amendment Discussion

a. Florida State University Shooting

Addressing recent gun violence, Shapiro recounts the tragic shooting at Florida State University. He contrasts Democratic calls for gun control with President Trump's defense of the Second Amendment, quoting Trump’s stance: “The gun doesn't do the shooting, the people do” (43:41; 44:04).

b. Trump’s Advocacy for Second Amendment

Shapiro praises Trump for resisting Democratic pressures for stricter gun laws, framing the administration's response as a safeguard of constitutional rights amid national tragedies (44:04).

9. Conclusion and Final Remarks

In his closing segments, Shapiro reiterates the administration’s challenges across political, economic, and international arenas. He emphasizes the Trump administration's role in countering Democratic maneuvers and maintaining conservative principles. Shapiro also touches on the ongoing negotiations with Iran and the potential for future geopolitical shifts, underscoring the importance of strength and strategic diplomacy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Democratic Failures: “I have to say I am amazed that the Democrats are this bad at this” (00:20).

• Judicial Critique: “The government is violating the law, and that's a threat to the Constitution” (02:48).

• Trump on Abrego Garcia: “I'm not any part of this Abrego Garcia imprisonment story” (05:30).

• Economic Outlook: “Growth this year is going to be significantly slower than last year” (11:46).

• Private Equity Decline: “Shares of Apollo Global Management, Blackstone, KKR ... are down 20% or more this year” (12:03).

• Trump on Trade Deals: “We're going to make a very good deal with China” (13:36).

• Firing Powell: “He’ll leave if I ask him to. He’ll be out of there. ... I’m not happy with him” (21:18).

• Second Amendment Defense: “The gun doesn't do the shooting, the people do” (44:04).

• Trump on Iran Negotiations: “I’d like to see Iran live happily without death” (46:38).

Final Thoughts

Episode 2182 of The Ben Shapiro Show offers a comprehensive critique of Democratic policies and actions, emphasizing the Trump administration's challenges and responses across various sectors. Shapiro's analysis spans from specific incidents like the deportation case to broader economic and international policy issues, all through a staunchly conservative lens. This detailed discussion is invaluable for listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of contemporary political dynamics from a principled conservative viewpoint.