Summary of The Ben Shapiro Show | Ep. 2211 - A Big Announcement! Plus Trump’s NEW Travel Ban!
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro
Co-host: Tucker Carlson
Guest: Representative Elise Stefanik
1. Introduction and Overview
In Episode 2211 of The Ben Shapiro Show, Ben Shapiro and Tucker Carlson delve into a range of pressing political and social issues. They kick off the show with an ominous preview of a significant announcement from Ben, followed by an in-depth discussion on President Trump's latest travel ban targeting several countries. The episode also features insights into the chaotic New York mayoral debates and critiques of the Democratic Party's current trajectory.
2. Ben Shapiro’s Major Announcement
Timestamp: [00:00 - 08:42]
Ben Shapiro opens the episode with a groundbreaking announcement about his forthcoming book:
Ben Shapiro [07:30]: "My first book in four years is coming out on September 2nd. It's titled Lions and Scavengers."
He elaborates on the book's genesis, inspired by the events of October 7, 2023, and his observations of Western societal responses to terrorism and internal turmoil. Shapiro emphasizes the division between "lions" (those who uphold civilization) and "scavengers" (those who erode it), illustrating his thesis with vivid descriptions of protests supporting Hamas and critiquing Western complacency.
Ben Shapiro [08:10]: "Our civilization is now divided between lions and scavengers. And we must decide between them."
Shapiro stresses the importance of fostering a civilization of "lions" to ensure societal survival and prosperity, urging listeners to prepare their children to combat the "scavengers."
3. New York Mayoral Debate and Democratic Party Issues
Timestamp: [08:42 - 29:46]
The discussion shifts to the tumultuous New York mayoral debate, highlighting the fractured state of the Democratic Party:
Ben Shapiro [09:00]: "In this New York mayoral debate, just exploded into chaos when all of these bizarre left-wing perspectives came into conflict."
Shapiro criticizes Democratic candidates, particularly focusing on Andrew Cuomo and Zoran Mamdani, accusing them of extreme positions such as reducing funding for immigrants and opposing Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state.
He highlights Representative Elise Stefanik’s potential gubernatorial run and her efforts to support Republicans in local races, emphasizing a strategic shift in New York towards Republican values.
4. Debates on Tax and Spending Bills
Timestamp: [30:09 - 60:37]
The conversation transitions to national economic policies, specifically the Big Beautiful Bill. Shapiro explains his support for the bill, framing it as essential for border security, energy independence, and tax reductions.
Ben Shapiro [36:07]: "We owe it to the American people to deliver border security, energy independence, tax cuts..."
Tucker Carlson interjects with critiques from figures like Elon Musk, who oppose the bill due to concerns over national debt and fiscal responsibility. Shapiro counters by distinguishing between tax cuts and government spending, arguing that reducing taxes does not equate to increased spending.
The hosts discuss the implications of remaining budget deficits, the role of tariffs in economic strategy, and the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates amidst economic uncertainties.
5. Foreign Policy Discussions: Iran, China, and BRICS
Timestamp: [60:33 - 90:03]
A significant portion of the episode is devoted to foreign policy, focusing on Iran's nuclear program and the geopolitical shifts involving BRICS nations.
Shapiro underscores the necessity of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, aligning with President Trump's long-standing position:
Ben Shapiro [37:25]: "We have to make sure that we are standing up for American values... We can never let them get a nuclear weapons capability."
Tucker Carlson challenges commentator Mark Levin's stance on Iran, accusing him of advocating for war without substantial intelligence backing. Shapiro rebuts these claims, emphasizing that robust intelligence supports the threat posed by Iran.
The discussion extends to the formation of regional blocs like BRICS and their potential impact on global stability. Shapiro critiques the administration's handling of alliances and defense strategies, particularly in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Ben Shapiro [38:56]: "President Trump is the strongest negotiator we have, and he is the strongest negotiator around the world."
The debate touches on the complexities of negotiating with Tehran, the ineffectiveness of previous administrations' policies, and the strategic importance of maintaining strong alliances to counteract Iranian advancements.
6. Trump’s New Travel Ban
Timestamp: [90:03 - End]
In the latter part of the episode, Shapiro and Carlson address President Trump's newly announced travel ban:
Ben Shapiro [Total Time: ~72:00]: "President Trump yesterday announced... placing travel restrictions on countries including Yemen, Somalia, Haiti, Libya, and numerous others."
They discuss the rationale behind the ban, citing national security concerns and the need to prevent individuals from hostile nations from entering the United States. Shapiro defends the policy as a measure to protect American values and citizens from unvetted and potentially dangerous immigrants.
Carlson magnifies the debate by referencing recent legal challenges to deportations, exemplifying how left-wing judicial actions undermine immigration policies.
Tucker Carlson [90:00]: "The Civil Rights act applies to Jews the same as it applies to black people, the same as it applies to Hispanic people."
The hosts critique the Biden administration's immigration policies, arguing that they have led to increased security threats and societal unrest.
7. Interaction with Representative Elise Stefanik
Timestamp: [29:46 - 39:44]
Representative Elise Stefanik joins the show to discuss New York's political climate. Shapiro praises her efforts to support Republican candidates and combat Democratic dominance in the state.
Ben Shapiro [32:07]: "We're hoping to do that across the state to lay the groundwork for next year to fire Kathy Hochul once and for all."
Stefanik addresses issues such as Anti-Semitism in universities, the importance of border security, and the need for economic reforms to revitalize New York.
Shapiro and Carlson engage Stefanik on her perspectives regarding Iran, emphasizing the necessity of robust foreign policy measures to ensure national and regional stability.
8. Conclusion
The episode concludes with lighter segments, including promotional advertisements and mentions of upcoming shows. Shapiro reiterates the themes discussed, emphasizing the critical choices facing Western civilization between upholding its foundational "lion" values or succumbing to the "scavenger" elements that threaten its stability and prosperity.
Ben Shapiro [89:50]: "If you believe Western civilization is worth defending, this is the book for you."
Notable Quotes
- Ben Shapiro [08:10]: "Our civilization is now divided between lions and scavengers. And we must decide between them."
- Tucker Carlson [09:32]: "Good times over at the mayoral debate."
- Ben Shapiro [36:07]: "We owe it to the American people to deliver border security, energy independence, tax cuts..."
- Ben Shapiro [37:25]: "President Trump is the strongest negotiator we have, and he is the strongest negotiator around the world."
- Ben Shapiro [39:43]: "Rep. Stefanik, thanks so much for joining the show. Really appreciate it."
Key Takeaways
- Ben Shapiro’s Book: Lions and Scavengers explores the dichotomy within Western civilization, emphasizing the need to cultivate and protect its foundational values against internal and external threats.
- New York Politics: The Democratic Party is portrayed as increasingly fractured and ineffective, with significant support shifting towards Republican candidates like Elise Stefanik.
- Economic Policies: Support for the Big Beautiful Bill is framed as essential for economic stability, with critiques of opposing figures like Elon Musk regarding fiscal responsibility.
- Foreign Policy Stance: A strong emphasis on countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions and maintaining robust international alliances to ensure global stability.
- Travel Ban Advocacy: Endorsed as a necessary measure for national security, countering judicial actions that hinder effective immigration enforcement.
This episode underscores Ben Shapiro's commitment to addressing what he perceives as critical failures within the Democratic Party and broader societal structures, advocating for a return to strong, principled conservative values.