Podcast Summary: The Ben Shapiro Show – Ep. 2196: "A New Pope…Plus Will Trump RAISE Taxes?!"

Release Date: May 9, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 2196 of The Ben Shapiro Show, host Ben Shapiro delves into a series of pressing topics ranging from the selection of a new Pope to the intricacies of President Trump's economic policies. The episode features insightful discussions with Bishop Robert Barron and author Andrew Klavan, alongside analyses of current political maneuvers and societal issues.

1. The New Pope: Pope Leo XIV

Timestamp: [03:55 – 20:20]

Selection and Significance

Ben Shapiro opens the episode by announcing the election of the first American Pope in history, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago. This unprecedented event places 1.4 billion Catholics under his leadership and marks a significant moment in Western civilization.

Political Implications

Shapiro discusses the potential global impact of Pope Leo XIV's conservative stance. He emphasizes the Pope's influence not just spiritually but also politically, noting that "the direction of a Catholic Church moving in a far more progressive direction would be quite bad for the world" ([04:05]).

Insights from Bishop Robert Barron

Joining from Italy, Bishop Robert Barron provides a firsthand account of the conclave process and his impressions of the new Pope's intentions. He highlights the choice of the name "Leo XIV" as a nod to Pope Leo XIII, known for his "intelligent creative engagement with modernity." Barron suggests that Pope Leo XIV embodies a balance of tradition and thoughtful adaptation to contemporary issues ([13:38] – [20:20]).

Pope Leo XIV’s Political Stance

Shapiro examines the Pope's conservative views on social issues, quoting Leo XIV's criticisms of "homosexual lifestyle" and "gender ideology" ([04:05]). Despite media claims labeling the Pope as "woke," evidence points to his conservative alignment, especially regarding immigration and economic policies ([07:15]).

Notable Quotes:

• Bishop Robert Barron on the conclave: “[14:41] It was extraordinary... the announcement itself was amazing.”
• Pope Leo XIV on culture: “[09:15] ‘Western culture often seeks to promote sympathy for beliefs and practices that contradict the gospel.’”

2. President Trump's Tariff War and the UK Trade Deal

Timestamp: [20:20 – 29:47]

Overview of the Trade Deal

Shapiro critiques President Trump's recent announcement of a UK Trade Deal, describing it as "really, really limited." The deal reduces steel and aluminum tariffs from 25% to 10% initially but leaves most UK goods subject to existing tariffs ([25:56]).

Market Reactions and Economic Impact

Using Benjamin Graham's analogy, Shapiro explains that the stock market's slight decline reflects uncertainty about the long-term effects of the Trump administration's inconsistent trade policies. He likens the current situation to an impending "hurricane" due to the elevated tariffs causing supply chain disruptions ([24:00] – [26:23]).

Industry Perspectives

Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, expresses optimism about the UK's stance, despite the trade deal's minimal impact ([25:56] – [26:14]). However, Shapiro remains skeptical, noting that the deal does little to alleviate the broader tariff regime affecting multiple countries ([26:23]).

Future of Trade Policy

Shapiro highlights the administration's fluctuating messages on trade, with aspirations to negotiate more deals but lacking substantive policy changes. He warns that without significant adjustments, the ongoing tariff war will continue to destabilize the economy ([26:49] – [29:47]).

Notable Quotes:

• Shapiro on the UK's trade deal: “[25:56] ‘So the perfect example of why Trump produced Liberation Day is that we could go from 0.5% on most goods to 10% on most goods and then leave it at 10%.’”
• Lutnick on trade relations: “[26:14] ‘I think we're going to have a very good relationship.’”

3. President Trump's Tax Policy and the Carried Interest Debate

Timestamp: [29:47 – 40:10]

Raising Taxes: A Political Gamble

Shapiro critiques President Trump's private push to raise taxes, particularly targeting the highest income brackets. He argues that increasing taxes on top earners will stifle investment and undermine economic growth, contrasting this with the success of Trump's initial tax cuts, which benefited middle and lower classes ([29:47] – [35:00]).

Understanding the Carried Interest Concept

Shapiro demystifies the "carried interest loophole," explaining that it allows fund managers to be taxed at capital gains rates rather than higher income taxes, provided investments are held for over three years. Contrary to media portrayals, he asserts that this is not a simple loophole but a legitimate tax treatment aligned with investment principles ([35:00] – [40:10]).

Economic Implications

By increasing tax rates on high earners and closing beneficial tax provisions, Shapiro warns of reduced capital for investment, which is vital for economic expansion and innovation. He emphasizes that such policies could lead to a "repo" situation, where investment capital diminishes, negatively impacting the economy ([35:30]).

Notable Quotes:

• Shapiro on tax increases: “[29:47] ‘The Republican Party is now the tax raising party and the tariff party, we will see how that works out for them at the polls.’”
• Explanation of carried interest: “[35:00] ‘So here is the question. If you have a share of the profits, isn't that more like owning a stock?’”

4. Surgeon General Nomination: Casey Means

Timestamp: [40:10 – 43:37]

Nomination and Controversy

President Trump nominates Casey Means as the new Surgeon General, replacing Jeanette Nuscherratt amid controversies over her vaccine views. Means, a Stanford-trained physician turned wellness influencer, has faced criticism from figures like Laura Loomer for her unorthodox practices, such as "praying to photos of her ancestors" and conducting "full moon ceremonies" ([40:10] – [43:37]).

Means’ Health Advocacy

Means advocates for a holistic approach to health, emphasizing foundational metabolic health over symptom treatment. She critiques the American healthcare system's focus on volume over outcomes, calling for integrated and preventive measures ([37:45] – [40:10]).

Administration’s Stance

Despite opposition, Ben Shapiro questions whether Means will implement her unconventional health recommendations as Surgeon General, suggesting her focus will likely remain on promoting exercise, nutrition, and preventative care ([40:10] – [43:37]).

Notable Quotes:

• Casey Means on healthcare: “[40:10] ‘Health is a tip of the iceberg of fundamentally like a planetary issue.’”
• Shapiro on Means’ nomination: “[40:10] ‘Are those going to be her recommendations? Or more likely, are her recommendations going to be things like, you know, you should probably eat well and get exercise and get sleep and all the rest?’”

5. FBI and Jeffrey Epstein Investigation

Timestamp: [43:37 – 48:00]

Epstein’s Death and Investigations

Cash Patel, the head of the FBI, confirms that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in his cell, addressing long-standing conspiracy theories surrounding his death ([43:35] – [43:39]). Concurrently, the FBI is prosecuting New York Attorney General Letitia James for irregularities in her real estate transactions, revealing potential corruption within political offices ([43:39] – [45:22]).

Letitia James Under Scrutiny

James faces allegations related to her personal property purchases, with documents signed by government officials raising questions about the propriety of her transactions ([45:22] – [46:22]).

Notable Quotes:

• Patel on Epstein: “[43:35] ‘Jeffrey Epstein did, in fact, kill himself.’”
• Shapiro on Letitia James: “[43:39] ‘Now, the transactions involve her personal property purchases and loans processed in New York City and Virginia.’”

6. Columbia University Protests

Timestamp: [45:22 – 47:40]

Violent Protests at Columbia

The episode recounts recent violent protests at Columbia University's Butler Library, where masked demonstrators forcibly entered and vandalized the facility. Columbia’s acting president, Claire Shipman, condemns the actions, emphasizing the university’s commitment to freedom of speech and peaceful protest while denouncing violence and vandalism ([45:22] – [47:40]).

Administration Response

Unlike previous administrations, the Trump administration praised Columbia’s decisive action in handling the protests by involving law enforcement, highlighting a shift from apprehensive responses to supportive enforcement of order ([45:22] – [47:40]).

Notable Quotes:

• Claire Shipman on the protests: “[45:22] ‘Violence and vandalism, hijacking a library, none of that has any place on our campus.’”
• Shapiro on administration praise: “[46:22] ‘The Trump administration praised Columbia's strong and resolute response to the protesters.’”

7. Presidential Exchanges and Book Deals

Timestamp: [47:40 – 50:36]

Biden’s Book Deal Controversy

Shapiro touches on President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden’s impending $30 million book deal, which is expected to detail Jill’s diary from her White House years. Critics suggest the book could expose Joe Biden's cognitive decline and behind-the-scenes struggles during his presidency ([47:40] – [50:36]).

Trump vs. Biden on Election Results

In a segment from an interview on The View, Trump asserts that Biden lost the election due to low voter turnout and disagreements on policy, while Biden claims that Trump’s actions led to divisiveness and systemic failures ([47:40] – [50:36]).

Notable Quotes:

• Shapiro on Biden’s book: “[46:22] ‘Meanwhile, the Bidens are out there trying to clear more sacks of cash.’”
• Trump on election loss: “[48:16] ‘They are wrong... we had a circumstance where we were in a position that we... we did not sense a civil war.’”

8. Trump Administration’s Middle East Policy

Timestamp: [50:36 – 64:35]

Nuclear Deals and Regional Relations

Shapiro critiques the Trump administration’s ambiguous Middle East policies, including negotiating nuclear deals with Saudi Arabia without requiring Israel’s involvement. He questions the strategic benefits of granting Saudi Arabia civilian nuclear capacity without reciprocal agreements ([50:36] – [56:28]).

Iran Nuclear Deal Concerns

The administration is also negotiating with Iran independently of Israel, raising concerns about the potential for escalating tensions if the deals are unfavorable. Senators Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton oppose any nuclear agreement that does not ensure complete dismantlement of Iran’s enrichment programs ([56:28] – [64:35]).

Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

Shapiro expresses skepticism over the United States’ plans to distribute aid in the Gaza Strip, questioning its effectiveness given Hamas's control and past behavior in seizing aid ([64:35]).

Notable Quotes:

• On Saudi nuclear deals: “[56:28] ‘Why exactly is it in America's interest for Saudi to have civilian nuclear capacity?’”
• On Iran negotiations: “[56:28] ‘You cannot make a nuclear weapon that is non negotiable for us. Complete dismantlement.’”

9. Andrew Klavan’s Interview: Kingdom of Cain

Timestamp: [56:28 – 64:35]

Exploring the Problem of Evil

Ben Shapiro interviews author Andrew Klavan about his new book, Kingdom of Cain. Klavan examines historical and fictional murders, including the biblical story of Cain and Abel, to explore how humanity confronts and transforms evil through art and storytelling ([56:28] – [64:35]).

Book’s Thesis

Klavan posits that the only viable response to evil is the creation of beauty. By analyzing how artists turn horrific events into compelling narratives and art, he argues that beauty serves as a conduit for understanding and overcoming suffering. He emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling in coping with the existence of evil ([56:28] – [64:35]).

Reflecting on Cain and Abel

Shapiro and Klavan discuss the story of Cain and Abel, highlighting its themes of repentance and the internal struggle between faith and unbelief. Klavan suggests that the narrative is a metaphor for the ongoing battle within individuals and the broader human condition ([59:24] – [64:35]).

Notable Quotes:

• Klavan on beauty as a response to evil: “[56:43] 'If you can take a murder... what can God not do of the entire experience of creation?’”
• Shapiro on storytelling: “[62:00] 'Anybody who tries to philosophize evil... cannot do it in the form of storytelling.’”

Conclusion

Episode 2196 of The Ben Shapiro Show offers a comprehensive examination of pivotal events and policies shaping the global and domestic landscape. From the historic election of Pope Leo XIV and the complexities of Trump's trade and tax strategies to the philosophical exploration of evil in Andrew Klavan’s Kingdom of Cain, Shapiro provides incisive analysis and thought-provoking discussions. This episode underscores the interplay between tradition, policy, and personal belief in navigating contemporary challenges.

Notable Quotes Summary

• Ben Shapiro on the Pope:
  • “[04:05] ‘There is, however, an important world leader... who leads the Catholic Church obviously has a massive impact...’”
• Bishop Robert Barron on the Conclave:
  • “[14:41] ‘It was extraordinary... the conclave itself was amazing.’”
• Andrew Klavan on Beauty and Evil:
  • “[56:43] ‘If you can take a murder like Ed Gein’s and turn it into a work of art... what can God not do of the entire experience of creation?’”

This summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions of the episode, providing a clear and thorough overview for listeners and non-listeners alike.