Podcast Summary: The Ben Shapiro Show – Ep. 2207: Can Trump STOP World War III?

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Ben Shapiro Show
• Host/Author: The Daily Wire
• Description: Offers comprehensive, conservative news analysis with a focus on cultural and political issues.
• Episode: Ep. 2207 - Can Trump STOP World War III?
• Release Date: May 27, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 2207 of The Ben Shapiro Show, Ben Shapiro delves into the pressing geopolitical tensions threatening global stability, particularly focusing on Russia's aggression in Ukraine, China's stance on Taiwan, Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the pivotal role former President Donald Trump may play in averting a potential World War III. The episode also touches on internal U.S. political dynamics, military spending, and economic policies.

President Trump's Memorial Day Actions

Critique of Trump's Memorial Day Statement

Ben Shapiro begins by evaluating President Donald Trump's actions over Memorial Day, highlighting both commendable and questionable moves. He criticizes Trump's tendency to use national holidays to attack political opponents, noting that such rhetoric is inappropriate for the solemn occasion.

• Timestamp [01:50]: Ben Shapiro remarks, "It isn't a happy Memorial Day. It's actually not the proper greeting."

Trump's Positive Contribution: Arlington Speech

Contrasting his earlier criticism, Shapiro acknowledges Trump's respectful speech at Arlington National Cemetery, which honored fallen soldiers.

• Timestamp [02:03]: A notable quote from Donald Trump: "We will never, ever forget our fallen heroes and we will never forget our debt to you."

Shapiro appreciates this gesture, stating, “That's the proper tone for Memorial Day.”

The Trump Doctrine and J.D. Vance's Perspective

Defining the Trump Doctrine

Ben Shapiro explores Vice President J.D. Vance's interpretation of the Trump Doctrine, which emphasizes a realistic and principled foreign policy focused on direct adversaries rather than extended nation-building missions.

• Timestamp [03:44]: J.D. Vance states, “We had a long experiment in our foreign policy that traded national defense and the maintenance of our alliances for nation building and meddling in foreign countries affairs...”

Shapiro critically analyzes Vance's stance, particularly his reference to the Iraq War as a flawed policy.

Reevaluation of Military Engagements

Shapiro contrasts Vance's views with ongoing military commitments, such as U.S. troops in South Korea and bases in Japan, arguing that foreign policy is inherently complex and cannot be neatly defined.

U.S. Foreign Policy and Global Conflicts

Russia’s Escalation in Ukraine

Shapiro discusses Russia's intensified military actions in Ukraine, highlighting Russia's largest drone and missile assault and the U.S. response under Trump's leadership.

• Timestamp [17:22]: J.D. Vance asserts, “No more distractions. No more electric tanks.”
• Timestamp [17:40]: Donald Trump emphasizes, “It’s called Peace through Strength.”

Shapiro points out the contradiction between the Vice President's claims and the actual ongoing hostilities, noting that freedom of navigation in the Red Sea remains unresolved.

China's Aggression Toward Taiwan

The episode covers China's increased military readiness to potentially attack Taiwan, driven by economic and demographic pressures within China.

• Timestamp [05:11]: J.D. Vance explains, “Our government took its eye off the ball of great power competition and preparing to take on a peer adversary.”

Shapiro critiques the Trump administration’s inconsistent messaging on China’s intentions, suggesting that lack of a clear stance emboldens Chinese aggression.

Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions

Shapiro addresses Iran's refusal to halt nuclear enrichment, undermining Trump’s diplomatic efforts and exacerbating tensions.

• Timestamp [33:22]: Donald Trump comments on negotiations: “Very very good talks with Iran yesterday and today...”

Shapiro argues that Iran's public stance contradicts Trump's optimistic outlook on negotiations, highlighting the administration's mixed signals.

Military Spending and Economic Implications

Historical Context of U.S. Defense Spending

Shapiro provides a historical overview of U.S. defense spending, illustrating its fluctuations from World Wars to the Cold War and post-Cold War periods.

• Timestamp [06:33]: Ben Shapiro states, "The United States spends approximately 3.7% of our GDP on military. That is actually historically low."

He argues for increased military spending in response to current global threats, emphasizing that contemporary challenges warrant a robust defense budget.

Defense Budget Trends

Shapiro references data from Perplexity, noting that U.S. defense spending peaked during major conflicts and has since declined, suggesting that current spending levels are inadequate given the heightened global tensions.

Trade Policies and Tariffs

Threats Against Apple and Tariff Implications

Shapiro critiques President Trump's threats to impose tariffs on Apple products to encourage reshoring of manufacturing to the U.S., arguing that the move is economically impractical.

• Timestamp [42:14]: Donald Trump discusses tariff delays: “We had a very nice call and I agreed to move it.”

He explains that such tariffs are unlikely to result in reshored manufacturing due to cost discrepancies, instead leading to higher consumer prices.

European Trade Relations and Tariffs

The episode examines Trump's contentious relationship with European allies, including threats of increased tariffs unless trade negotiations improve.

• Timestamp [42:14]: Donald Trump elaborates on delaying tariffs: “I agreed to move it...”

Shapiro observes that these aggressive trade tactics strain alliances and may not yield the intended economic benefits.

Domestic Economic Policies and Deficit Concerns

The "Big Beautiful Bill" and Deficit Reduction

Shapiro discusses the Republican-backed "Big Beautiful Bill," which aims to cut government spending but faces criticism for insufficient deficit reduction.

• Timestamp [47:39]: Dr. Jordan B. Peterson explains, “The big beautiful bill does nothing to alleviate that.”

He highlights the necessity of comprehensive budget reviews and entitlement reforms to effectively tackle the national debt.

Entitlement Programs and Fiscal Responsibility

The conversation underscores the critical role of entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare in driving the national deficit, with Shapiro advocating for responsible restructuring to ensure fiscal sustainability.

• Timestamp [55:36]: Dr. Peterson emphasizes, “We need a budget review panel. We need to do a doge has done looking at these contracts.”

Shapiro acknowledges the political sensitivity surrounding entitlement reform but stresses its importance for long-term economic health.

Internal U.S. Political Dynamics

Democratic Party's Struggles and Shifting Strategies

Shapiro critiques the Democratic Party's declining approval ratings and ineffective strategies to regain working-class support, as detailed in a New York Times report.

• Timestamp [63:16]: Dr. Jordan B. Peterson elaborates on entitlement program issues and budgetary overspending.

He argues that Democrats are too entrenched in progressive ideologies, failing to connect with broader voter bases, particularly working-class men.

Senator Ron Johnson’s Advocacy for Fiscal Responsibility

Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin joins the discussion, highlighting the inadequacies of the "Big Beautiful Bill" in addressing the national debt and advocating for more substantial spending cuts and entitlement reforms.

• Timestamp [53:32]: Dr. Jordan B. Peterson responds to Ben Shapiro's questions about deficit reduction and entitlement cuts.

Johnson emphasizes the need for detailed budgetary reforms and challenges the current administration's approach to deficit management.

Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Shapiro presents a critical analysis of the current geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the need for a strong and principled foreign policy grounded in realism and deterrence. He highlights the complexities of military engagements, the importance of maintaining credible deterrence against adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran, and underscores the significance of responsible fiscal policies to sustain national security. Additionally, Shapiro addresses internal political challenges within the Republican and Democratic parties, advocating for informed and strategic approaches to governance and economic management.

Notable Quotes:

1. Ben Shapiro [01:50]: "It isn't a happy Memorial Day. It's actually not the proper greeting."
2. Donald Trump [02:03]: "We will never, ever forget our fallen heroes and we will never forget our debt to you."
3. J.D. Vance [03:44]: "We had a long experiment in our foreign policy that traded national defense and the maintenance of our alliances for nation building and meddling in foreign countries affairs..."
4. Donald Trump [17:40]: “It’s called Peace through Strength.”
5. J.D. Vance [05:11]: “Our government took its eye off the ball of great power competition and preparing to take on a peer adversary.”
6. Donald Trump [33:22]: “Very very good talks with Iran yesterday and today...”

Disclaimer: This summary reflects the content and viewpoints expressed in the podcast transcript provided. It is intended for informational purposes and does not endorse or refute the opinions presented by the speakers.