Podcast Summary: The Ben Shapiro Show - Ep. 2220 "I Meet The Pope...PLUS SCOTUS Hands Matt Walsh A Win!"

Release Date: June 18, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 2220 of The Ben Shapiro Show, host Ben Shapiro delivers a multifaceted discussion encompassing his recent personal experience meeting the Pope, significant Supreme Court decisions impacting conservative values, and the current political landscape concerning immigration and international relations. The episode is structured to provide listeners with in-depth analysis, firsthand accounts, and critical insights into pressing national and global issues.

Meeting the Pope: A Personal Encounter with Pope Leo XIV

Timestamp: [09:30] Ben Shapiro

Ben Shapiro begins the episode by sharing his extraordinary experience attending a general audience held by Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter's Square in Rome. Highlighting the grandeur of the event, Shapiro describes the Pope's address focused on biblical values and personal responsibility.

"It really is quite a beautiful event. It's a reminder that godly biblical values are the guiding force for billions of people around the world." — Ben Shapiro [09:30]

Shapiro recounts his brief meeting with Pope Leo XIV, where he presented the Pope with a personalized gift: a 2005 World Series Chicago White Sox signed baseball—symbolizing a shared appreciation for American traditions despite their different religious backgrounds.

"I explained to him that I was there to pay honor to the fact that he was representative of biblical values in the world." — Ben Shapiro [12:00]

In-Depth Discussion with Trent Horn

Timestamp: [09:40] Trent Horn & Ilhan Omar

Trent Horn, a Catholic apologist and host of the Council of Trent podcast, joins Ben Shapiro to delve deeper into the significance of meeting Pope Leo XIV. As an Orthodox Jew, Horn provides a unique perspective on the interfaith dialogue and the importance of maintaining traditional values in a rapidly changing world.

"Pope Leo seems to be a man who has enmeshed himself in the office. He is a deeply humble man." — Trent Horn [12:05]

Horn contrasts Pope Leo XIV's reserved demeanor with that of his predecessor, Pope Francis, emphasizing the Pope's commitment to humility and joy—qualities that resonate with Western civilization's foundational values.

"I want more people to go to church, and I want more people to return to the traditions of their ancestors." — Trent Horn [14:04]

Supreme Court Victory: United States vs. Scrametti

Timestamp: [35:42] Trent Horn & [46:25] Matt Walsh

A focal point of the episode is the Supreme Court's landmark decision in United States vs. Scrametti, which upheld Tennessee's law banning certain medical procedures for transgender minors. This ruling is portrayed as a significant triumph for Matt Walsh and the conservative movement.

Chief Justice Roberts' Majority Opinion:

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of Tennessee, stating that the law did not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Chief Justice Roberts emphasized that the law does not classify based on transgender status and thus does not warrant heightened scrutiny.

"If a law neither burdens a fundamental right nor targets a suspect class, it will uphold the legislative classification so long as it bears a rational relation to some legitimate end." — Chief Justice Roberts [35:42]

Concurring Opinions by Justices Barrett and Thomas:

Justices Barrett and Thomas concurred, arguing that transgender status does not constitute a suspect class under the Equal Protection Clause. They highlighted the mutable nature of transgender classifications and the legislative discretion required in regulating medical practices.

"Transgender status is not marked by obvious, immutable or distinguishing characteristics. It is a shifting, moving definition." — Justice Barrett [35:42]

Justice Alito’s Concurrence:

Justice Alito extended the reasoning, dismissing interpretations from previous cases like Bostock v. Clayton County that expanded protections based on sex under the Civil Rights Act to include transgender individuals.

"Classifications based on transgender status do not warrant heightened scrutiny." — Justice Alito [35:42]

Matt Walsh’s Commentary and Future Implications

Timestamp: [46:25] Matt Walsh

Matt Walsh, a prominent conservative commentator and advocate against the transgender medical procedures for minors, celebrates the Supreme Court's decision as a monumental victory. He attributes this success to years of investigative journalism and legislative activism.

"This is a big victory for Matt. It's a big victory for the rational side of this argument." — Ben Shapiro [46:25]

Walsh outlines the next steps, pushing for federal legislation to ban such procedures nationwide. He emphasizes the rarity of having a political alignment that is both ethically correct and electorally advantageous.

"It's the right thing to do and it's a political winner. And anytime you have those two things lining up, there's absolutely no reason not to do it." — Matt Walsh [50:50]

Political Landscape: Immigration and International Relations

Timestamp: [17:35] Trent Horn & [59:23] Arnold Schwarzenegger

The conversation shifts to immigration policies, highlighting contrasting views between immigrants like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Representative Ilhan Omar. Shapiro criticizes Omar for allegedly undermining American values and contrasts her approach with Schwarzenegger's emphasis on gratitude and assimilation.

"When you come to America, you're a guest and you have to behave like a guest. You have a responsibility as an immigrant to give back to America." — Ben Shapiro [20:52]

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Appearance:

Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses the importance of maintaining American values and respecting the rule of law. He advocates for lawful immigration processes and emphasizes the contributions of immigrants who assimilate and give back to society.

"You have a responsibility as an immigrant to give back to America and to make this country a better place." — Arnold Schwarzenegger [20:52]

International Relations: The U.S., Israel, and Iran

Timestamp: [53:28] Matt Walsh & [66:54] Arnold Schwarzenegger

Ben Shapiro and Matt Walsh engage in a robust discussion about the United States' stance towards Iran and its nuclear ambitions, aligning with President Trump's hardline approach. They advocate for decisive military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, citing overwhelming support among Trump voters for such measures.

"I only want one thing. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. That's it." — Arnold Schwarzenegger [61:08]

Walsh highlights polling data indicating strong support among Trump voters for military action against Iran, dismissing claims of internal GOP division on the issue.

"This is a winning issue. It's the right thing to do and it's a political winner." — Matt Walsh [50:50]

Closing Remarks

In the final segments, Ben Shapiro reiterates the importance of adhering to constitutional values and the need for unity within the conservative movement to uphold traditional American ideals. The episode concludes with promotions for Daily Wire membership and upcoming topics, including the treatment of athletes in the WNBA and parental challenges.

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• Ben Shapiro [09:30]: "I actually got to go to the Vatican. I went to an event at St. Peter's Square..."

• Trent Horn [12:05]: "Pope Leo seems to be a man who has enmeshed himself in the office. He is a deeply humble man."

• Chief Justice Roberts [35:42]: "If a law neither burdens a fundamental right nor targets a suspect class, it will uphold the legislative classification so long as it bears a rational relation to some legitimate end."

• Justice Barrett [35:42]: "Transgender status is not marked by obvious, immutable or distinguishing characteristics. It is a shifting, moving definition."

• Matt Walsh [50:50]: "It's the right thing to do and it's a political winner."

• Arnold Schwarzenegger [61:08]: "You have a responsibility as an immigrant to give back to America and to make this country a better place."

• Matt Walsh [50:10]: "I was pretty confident, very confident in fact, the entire time..."

Conclusion

Episode 2220 of The Ben Shapiro Show serves as a comprehensive platform for discussing pivotal issues affecting American society and governance. From a personal narrative about meeting a global religious leader to dissecting Supreme Court decisions and navigating the complexities of international relations, Ben Shapiro provides listeners with a blend of personal insight and analytical commentary. The episode underscores the show's commitment to upholding conservative principles and addressing the challenges posed by evolving societal norms.