Podcast Summary: The Ben Shapiro Show – Ep. 2187: "100 DAYS: Where Does Trump Stand?"
Release Date: April 28, 2025
In Episode 2187 of The Ben Shapiro Show, hosted by Ben Shapiro and featuring Andrew Klavan, the discussion centers around the first 100 days of President Donald Trump's second term. The episode provides an in-depth analysis of Trump's administration, focusing on his policy achievements, public approval ratings, economic challenges, internal Republican dynamics, and various foreign policy issues. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics covered, structured into clear sections with notable quotes and timestamps for clarity.
1. Trump's First 100 Days: Achievements and Actions
Ben Shapiro opens the episode by reviewing the significant actions taken by President Trump in his first 100 days. He highlights Trump's aggressive stance against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, actions against university campuses perceived as breeding grounds for anti-Semitism and leftist ideologies, and attempts to reform the Pentagon through Secretary of Defense Pete Hexath.
Notable Quote:
"He has issued more executive orders in his first 100 days than any president in history. He's been incredibly effective in terms of pushing forward many parts of his agenda."
– Ben Shapiro [00:46]
Shapiro also commends the administration's efforts to cut government spending, combat waste, fraud, and abuse, in collaboration with figures like Elon Musk.
2. Polling and Approval Ratings
Despite numerous accomplishments, Trump's approval ratings after 100 days indicate a decline, primarily driven by economic concerns. Shapiro references multiple polls, including a Washington Post ABC News Ipsos poll, showing Trump's approval dropping from 45% in February to 39%.
Notable Quote:
"According to a brand new Washington Post ABC News Ipsos poll, President Trump's approval rating is down from February. It was 45% in February, is down all the way to 39% today, which is very, very low."
– Ben Shapiro [01:42]
Shapiro emphasizes that while Trump's base remains relatively stable, independents show a significant drop in approval, correlating with anxiety over the economy and the impact of Trump's tariff policies.
3. Democratic Strategies and Public Sentiment
Shapiro discusses the Democrats' current strategies, portraying them as increasingly unhinged and reactive rather than policy-focused. He critiques Democratic leaders like Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for their aggressive rhetoric against Trump supporters.
Notable Quotes:
"There is a good reason for that, which is that the Democratic Party is so unbelievably unhinged, they are so incompetent at this, truly incompetent."
– Ben Shapiro [03:13]
"Hakeem Jeffries would be House speaker yesterday. He was in the middle of a protest and he started quoting Ulysses S. Grant... suggesting that America could break down between patriots and traitors."
– Ben Shapiro [04:03]
Shapiro argues that Democrats' combative approach alienates moderate voters, reinforcing their unpopularity despite their efforts to undermine Trump's administration.
4. Tariff War and Economic Impact
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Trump's tariff war, deemed the primary cause of his declining approval. Shapiro elaborates on the negative repercussions of increased tariffs, including disrupted supply chains, rising costs for consumers, and declining import volumes.
Notable Quotes:
"The tariff war has absolutely crippled him on pretty much every other issue."
– Ben Shapiro [07:43]
"According to Sea Intelligence, the US Tariff war is continuing to disrupt container shipping with a significant uptick in blank sailings..."
– Ben Shapiro [14:50]
Shapiro highlights data indicating a steep rise in blank sailings and warns of impending shortages and price hikes, drawing parallels to the supply chain disruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Republican Efforts and Internal Struggles
The episode delves into the Republican Party's challenges in passing Trump's proposed tax and spending bill. Shapiro outlines the internal divisions within the GOP, particularly among members from blue states like California and New York, who fear that certain tax cuts may jeopardize their electoral prospects.
Notable Quotes:
"Most GOP lawmakers are on board with the broader plan to extend expiring pieces of the 2017 tax law... but hard intra-party fights remain."
– Ben Shapiro [20:15]
"Members like Chip Roy of Texas and Andrew Clyde of Georgia... are skeptical of the tax bill."
– Ben Shapiro [21:13]
Shapiro stresses that the failure to pass this substantial tax and spending package could undermine economic stability and erode confidence in the federal government's ability to maintain consistency.
6. Executive Orders and Policy Changes
Among his notable achievements, Trump signed an executive order abolishing disparate impact analysis, a policy tool previously used to assess the racial effects of neutral policies.
Notable Quote:
"Disparate impact analysis was always terrible."
– Ben Shapiro [26:25]
Shapiro defends this move, arguing that many policies are neutral and that disparities arise naturally due to inherent differences among groups, not because of governmental intent.
7. Foreign Policy Developments
a. Ukraine and Russia
Shapiro analyzes Trump's handling of the Ukraine war, noting his meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his critical stance towards Vladimir Putin. He discusses the ongoing challenges posed by Russia's military expansions and the potential ramifications for NATO and global stability.
Notable Quotes:
"President Trump is blessed by his opposition, absolutely blessed. He brings out the absolute worst in all of his enemies."
– Ben Shapiro [05:45]
"John Harmon... the CEOs of Walmart, Target and Home Depot warned President Trump... his trade policy could trigger massive product shortages and price spikes as well."
– Ben Shapiro [18:48]
Shapiro underscores the strategic missteps in the tariff negotiations and emphasizes the need for a more effective trade strategy to mitigate economic fallout.
b. Judicial Controversy and Left's Reactions
A contentious episode involving Judge Hannah Dugan's arrest for obstructing justice leads to heated debates about the judiciary's independence. Shapiro critiques Democratic leaders like Chuck Schumer and columnist David Brooks for misrepresenting the situation and fueling a perceived constitutional crisis.
Notable Quotes:
"If they think this is heroic, then good luck for them in the polls."
– Ben Shapiro [34:59]
"Chuck Schumer... suggesting a constitutional crisis has arrived because a judge in Wisconsin has been arrested by the FBI."
– Ben Shapiro [30:33]
Shapiro defends the arrest as justified under U.S. law, countering claims that it undermines democracy or judicial impartiality.
c. Iran Explosion and Regional Tensions
Shapiro touches upon a catastrophic explosion in Iran's Bandar Abbas port, discussing its implications for regional stability and Iran's ongoing issues with munitions handling.
Notable Quote:
"The Iranians are not particularly good at handling their munitions. This we know."
– Ben Shapiro [38:42]
He links this event to broader concerns about Iran's role in supporting terrorist organizations and destabilizing the region.
d. India-Pakistan Tensions
The escalating conflict between India and Pakistan over terrorism in Kashmir is examined. Shapiro warns of the potential for nuclear confrontation and emphasizes the importance of Western allies supporting India in this volatile situation.
Notable Quotes:
"India is building a case for striking Pakistan... both of these countries have nuclear weapons, so things could get very Hot very quickly."
– Ben Shapiro [39:21]
"India is a democratic ally of the United States... the west should be rooting for India in this particular conflict."
– Ben Shapiro [41:25]
e. Turkey's Domestic Politics
The episode also covers Turkey's internal power dynamics under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, highlighting his authoritarian tendencies and strained relations with NATO allies.
Notable Quote:
"Erdogan continues to gain control over his country... he has reoriented his entire country toward Iran, toward Russia."
– Ben Shapiro [43:50]
Shapiro critiques Erdogan's shift towards more radical policies and warns against strengthening military ties with Turkey, citing its support for terrorist organizations.
f. Canadian Election and Trade Wars
Shapiro reflects on the Canadian election, attributing the incumbent's loss to the United States' aggressive trade policies. He expresses frustration over the deteriorating U.S.-Canada relations and the missed opportunity for a strong alliance.
Notable Quote:
"The United States launched a trade war with Canada that this happened. Because Poliev dumped in the polls... Canadians decided to orient against the Trump administration."
– Ben Shapiro [48:12]
8. Conclusion and Future Outlook
In wrapping up, Shapiro underscores the critical juncture at which Trump's administration stands. He emphasizes that resolving the economic turmoil caused by the tariff war is paramount for restoring Trump's approval ratings and ensuring the administration's longevity. Shapiro remains cautiously optimistic, suggesting that if Republicans can navigate internal conflicts and enact the necessary tax and spending reforms, Trump's presidency can stabilize and regain public trust.
Notable Quote:
"President Trump's presidency now relies on a couple of things. One, ending this trade war or recalibrating it so that it will be more likely to be successful... It requires both those things to happen."
– Ben Shapiro [25:58]
Shapiro calls for decisive action from the administration to address economic concerns and recalibrate trade policies to avert further decline in public support.
Final Thoughts
Episode 2187 of The Ben Shapiro Show offers a comprehensive review of President Trump's second-term initiation, highlighting both accomplishments and challenges. Shapiro's analysis provides listeners with a critical perspective on the administration's policy decisions, public perception, and geopolitical maneuvers, emphasizing the intricate balance required to maintain political capital and economic stability.