Summary of The Ben Shapiro Show – Episode 2223: "Trump's MASTERSTROKE: What Comes Next?!"

Release Date: June 23, 2025
Host: The Daily Wire’s Ben Shapiro

Overview

In Episode 2223 of The Ben Shapiro Show, titled "Trump's MASTERSTROKE: What Comes Next?!", Ben Shapiro delves into the recent audacious military strike authorized by former President Donald Trump against Iranian nuclear facilities. The episode provides an in-depth analysis of the operation's implications for American foreign policy, regional stability in the Middle East, and global geopolitical dynamics. Joining Ben are prominent guests Caroline Glick, International Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister of Israel, and Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

1. The Strike on Iranian Nuclear Facilities

Ben Shapiro opens the discussion by detailing President Trump’s decisive action to target and obliterate key Iranian nuclear sites, dubbing it a “masterstroke” that marks a significant shift in American foreign policy.

• Operation Details:
  At [04:30], Shapiro outlines Trump’s use of B2 bombers equipped with 30,000-pound bomb penetrators to strike the Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. He emphasizes the precision and effectiveness of the strike, comparing it to a destruction akin to the "Death Star," highlighting the complete devastation inflicted on Iran's nuclear capabilities.

• President Trump's Statement:
  Trump’s statement on Truth Social is quoted at [06:20]:

  "It's not politically correct to use the term regime change, but if the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn't there be a regime change?"

Shapiro interprets this as a call for internal upheaval within Iran, dismissing claims that Trump seeks to deploy American troops for regime change.

2. International Reactions

Shapiro examines the global response, noting a mix of condemnation and support from various nations and international bodies.

• United Nations' Condemnation:
  At [07:45], Shapiro criticizes the UN for its backlash against the strike, labeling the organization as “a wretched hive of scum and villainy” more upset with the precision strike than Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

• Supportive Nations:
  He highlights endorsements from leaders like Argentina’s Javier Milei and Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who supported the action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Conversely, left-leaning nations and China called for de-escalation and dialogue.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Argentine President Javier Milei at [08:15]:

    "Today is a great day for Western civilization."

  • Chinese Foreign Minister Penny Wong at [09:00]:

    "We support action the US has taken to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon."

Shapiro underscores the irony in Saudi Arabia’s public disapproval, suggesting their private support aligns with regional interests in curbing Iran’s power.

3. Guest Analysis: Caroline Glick

Caroline Glick, representing the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, provides strategic insights into Israel’s role and the broader regional impact.

• Support for the Strike:
  At [16:30], Glick lauds Trump’s decision as a testament to the unparalleled partnership between the U.S. and Israel, asserting that the operation signifies the culmination of decades-long efforts to neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat.

• Impact on Regional Stability:
  She explains that the strike not only dismantles Iran’s nuclear infrastructure but also weakens allied proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, thereby enhancing Israel’s security and regional standing.

• Future Prospects:
  Glick envisions a strengthened Israel leading to the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords, fostering normalization agreements with additional Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Caroline Glick at [18:50]:

    "This operation has removed one of the worst malign actors in Middle East history and neutered the Islamic Republic."

  • At [27:54], she adds:

    "There is an enormous amount of love in Israel for President Trump, a love he has earned by his actions."

4. Constitutional and Pragmatic Concerns

The episode addresses critiques regarding the constitutionality and potential backlash of unilateral military action.

• War Powers Resolution Debate:
  Shapiro dismantles arguments that Trump violated the War Powers Act, asserting that the strike was a one-off military action not constituting a state of war, thereby not requiring congressional approval. He points out historical precedents where presidents conducted similar operations without formal declarations of war.

• Pragmatic Risks vs. Benefits:
  Discussing the pragmatic standpoint, Shapiro argues that the elimination of Iran’s nuclear capabilities outweighs potential risks of retaliation. He contends that fears of extended military engagement are unfounded, citing the lack of reliable allies for Iran and the crippling of its proxy networks.

5. Republican and Democratic Reactions

Shapiro highlights the bipartisan support and opposition surrounding the strike, showcasing the political dynamics within the U.S.

• Republican Endorsement:
  Prominent Republicans like Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senators John Thune and Ted Cruz publicly praised Trump’s decisive action, framing it as "America first" policy in action and a necessary measure against terrorism.

• Democratic Opposition:
  On the flip side, figures such as Representative Hakeem Jeffries and Jasmine Crockett criticized the strike, raising concerns about constitutional overreach and the potential for increased terrorism threats. Shapiro counters these criticisms by emphasizing Iran’s long history of sponsoring terrorism and the effectiveness of the strike in diminishing that threat.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Senator Ted Cruz at [60:30]:

    "President Trump has consistently and unequivocally stated that those threats cannot be countered without dismantling the Iranian regime's enrichment capacity."

  • Representative Hakeem Jeffries at [80:15]:

    "President Trump misled the country about his intentions and failed to deliver on his promise to bring peace to the Middle East."

6. Future Implications

The discussion shifts to the broader consequences of the strike for Middle Eastern geopolitics and international relations.

• Shift in Middle Eastern Power Dynamics:
  Both guests agree that the strike significantly alters the balance of power in the Middle East. With Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities severely weakened, Israel stands as a more formidable regional power, potentially encouraging further normalization of relations with other Gulf states.

• Impact on U.S.-China Relations:
  Shapiro posits that Trump’s assertive stance reinvigorates American credibility, sending a strong message to China regarding Taiwan and other geopolitical issues. This renewed firmness could deter Chinese aggression and reshape U.S.-China interactions.

• Long-Term Stability:
  Glick and Schanzer suggest that the removal of Iran’s nuclear threat paves the way for lasting peace initiatives and reduces the impetus for proxy conflicts across the region. They envision a Middle East where American and Israeli interests are better protected without the constant destabilizing influence of Iran.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jonathan Schanzer at [53:01]:

    "President Trump has the most solid spine of any president of my lifetime... reshaping an entire region of the world."

  • Caroline Glick at [52:27]:

    "This makes America the strong horse in the region again. We have better days ahead."

7. Conclusion

Ben Shapiro wraps up the episode by reinforcing the significance of Trump’s military action against Iran. He criticizes both left and right-wing opponents for misinterpreting Trump’s intentions and policies, asserting that the strike represents a decisive victory for peace through strength. Shapiro underscores the restored American credibility and the hopeful outlook for regional stability, emphasizing that this move aligns with core American interests and global security imperatives.

• Final Thoughts:
  Shapiro emphasizes that the operation was not a step towards endless warfare but a calculated effort to eliminate a significant threat, setting a precedent for effective and purposeful American intervention on the global stage.

• Notable Quote:
  At [97:25], Shapiro states:

  "This is preemption. It is a decisive action to prevent the single most destabilizing development in the region—a nuclear-armed Islamic Republic of Iran. The world is better off for American power properly used."

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Victory:
  The strike decisively cripples Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, diminishing a major regional threat and weakening allied proxy groups.

• Bipartisan Support and Opposition:
  While Republicans largely endorse the action as necessary and effective, Democrats raise constitutional and pragmatic concerns, which are robustly challenged by Shapiro.

• Global Geopolitical Shifts:
  The operation reshapes Middle Eastern power dynamics, enhances Israel’s regional standing, and reinforces American credibility in deterring other global adversaries like China.

• Future Peace Prospects:
  With Iran’s diminished threat, there is potential for further peace initiatives and normalization of relations between Israel and other Middle Eastern nations.

Notable Quotes

• Ben Shapiro at [06:20]:

  "It's not politically correct to use the term regime change, but if the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn't there be a regime change?"

• Caroline Glick at [18:50]:

  "This operation has removed one of the worst malign actors in Middle East history and neutered the Islamic Republic."

• Senator Ted Cruz at [60:30]:

  "President Trump has consistently and unequivocally stated that those threats cannot be countered without dismantling the Iranian regime's enrichment capacity."

• Representative Hakeem Jeffries at [80:15]:

  "President Trump misled the country about his intentions and failed to deliver on his promise to bring peace to the Middle East."

• Jonathan Schanzer at [53:01]:

  "President Trump has the most solid spine of any president of my lifetime... reshaping an entire region of the world."

Conclusion

Episode 2223 of The Ben Shapiro Show presents a compelling narrative lauding President Trump’s strategic military intervention against Iran, positioning it as a transformative action for American foreign policy and Middle Eastern stability. Through expert analysis and robust debate, the episode underscores the significance of decisive leadership in safeguarding national and international security interests.