Summary of The Ben Shapiro Show - Ep. 2248: "The Internet’s Cleavage Over Sydney Sweeney’s Commercial"

Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro
Podcast: The Ben Shapiro Show
Description: The Ben Shapiro Show delivers fast-paced, principled conservative analysis on current events, culture, economics, and politics.

1. Tragic Shooting in New York City

Timestamp: [00:00 - 28:53]

Ben Shapiro opens the episode by discussing a horrific shooting that occurred in Midtown Manhattan. A gunman with a documented mental health history targeted the NFL headquarters but inadvertently attacked occupants on the wrong floor, resulting in four fatalities, including an off-duty NYPD officer, and a fifth injury before the shooter took his own life.

Key Points:

• Incident Details: The shooter entered the office tower around 6:30 PM, carrying an M4 rifle, and began indiscriminate firing.
• Victim: Officer Didarul Islam, a three-and-a-half-year NYPD veteran from Bangladesh, was among the victims.
• Shooter's Motive: Although initially unknown, a note found suggested grievances with the NFL and possible CTE-related mental health issues.
• Media Reporting Critique: Shapiro criticizes CNN for prematurely and inaccurately reporting the shooter's appearance, suggesting racial bias.

Notable Quotes:

• "[00:15] Ben Shapiro: 'We don't use the names of mass shooters on the program because we don't wish to give them the sort of glory and attention they so desperately seek.'"
• "[28:53] Ben Shapiro: 'Here is CNN getting it wrong.'"

Shapiro further criticizes the current mayor of New York, Zoran Mamdani, highlighting his perceived animosity towards the police, which Shapiro links to potential increases in city violence if police forces are undermined.

Notable Quotes:

• "[24:10] Ben Shapiro: 'If you're in New York City this morning and you're thinking of voting for the socialist idiot who is Zoran Mamdani, you might want to think twice.'"

2. Controversy Over Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Commercial

Timestamp: [28:53 - 48:12]

The central focus of the episode is the backlash against Sydney Sweeney’s latest American Eagle advertisement, which uses sexual imagery and a pun on “genes” vs. “jeans.”

Key Points:

• Ad Content: The commercial features Sydney Sweeney discussing her "genes," juxtaposed with her wearing American Eagle jeans, alongside seductive visuals.
• Left-Wing Backlash: Critics on the left label the ad as promoting eugenics and Nazi-like propaganda, arguing it reinforces harmful stereotypes and the male gaze.
• Right-Wing Response: The conservative right is split; some praise the ad for its nod to traditional American values, while others, including traditional conservatives, criticize the over-sexualization.
• Economic Impact: Despite the controversy, American Eagle’s stock surged by 4% post-ad release, suggesting that the negative attention translated into increased sales.

Notable Quotes:

• "[35:00] Ben Shapiro: 'The left is breaking down into categories like the feminist line that this is all about the male gaze. Can we get over this nonsense?'"
• "[43:10] Ben Shapiro: 'American Eagle is not a right-wing company. It follows prevailing trends.'"

Shapiro argues that the left's reaction is exaggerated and dismisses accusations of Nazi propaganda as unfounded. He emphasizes the traditional conservative viewpoint that over-sexualization in advertising is morally problematic.

Notable Quotes:

• "[46:00] Ben Shapiro: 'This is not Nazi propaganda. It's a pun on genes and jeans. The left is pushing this nonsense.'"

Additionally, Shapiro warns of an emerging split within the right between anti-left factions and traditional conservatives, predicting that this division may deepen once political power is attained.

3. Economic and Trade Developments

Timestamp: [48:12 - 56:54]

The show transitions to discussing recent economic announcements, particularly focusing on President Trump's trade negotiations with the European Union.

Key Points:

• Trade Deal with the EU: President Trump successfully negotiated a trade agreement that imposes 15% tariffs on European goods entering the U.S. while reducing or eliminating tariffs on American exports to Europe.
• Investment Commitments: The EU agreed to invest approximately $600 billion in the United States as part of the deal, although the exact amount remains uncertain.
• Economic Implications: Shapiro addresses skepticism about the tariffs' impact, citing strong stock market performance despite higher consumer prices.
• Potential Trade Bubble: He expresses concern over a possible economic bubble driven by speculative investments, including meme stocks and cryptocurrencies.

Notable Quotes:

• "[28:40] Ben Shapiro: 'With a trade deal in place, planned investments of almost $200 billion would grow by even more.'"
• "[29:53] Ben Shapiro: 'President Trump used tremendous leverage to get the EU to accept essentially zero tariff barriers on American goods.'"
• "[56:54] Ben Shapiro: 'Stocks are doing crazy things again... speculative stocks are doing really well right now.'"

Shapiro remains uncertain about the long-term effects of the tariffs, leaning towards the possibility of negative economic repercussions while hoping that traditional economic theories might be overlooking new dynamics.

4. Judicial Rulings and Media Critique

Timestamp: [56:54 - 48:12]

Ben Shapiro critiques recent actions within the judiciary and media landscape, emphasizing perceived biases and failures.

Key Points:

• Washington Post Fact Checker Fired: Shapiro discusses the departure of Glenn Kessler, the Washington Post's fact checker, criticizing Kessler for alleged bias against conservative figures and questioning the integrity of fact-checking processes.
• Federal Judge Blocks Planned Parenthood Funding Cuts: A federal judge, Indira Talwani, has issued an injunction against a congressional provision to defund Planned Parenthood clinics via Medicaid reimbursements, citing constitutional concerns.

Notable Quotes:

• "[48:10] Ilya Shapiro: 'Glenn Kessler has been a propagandist on behalf of the left. His departure is a good thing for journalism.'"
• "[46:36] Ben Shapiro: 'Ilya Shapiro is here to discuss what this federal judge is doing with regard to Planned Parenthood. It's crazy.'"

In conversation with Ilya Shapiro, they dissect the judge’s ruling, labeling it as unfounded and a misinterpretation of constitutional law. They argue that such judicial decisions undermine legislative authority and set dangerous precedents.

5. Foreign Policy Initiatives

Timestamp: [48:12 - 60:34]

Shapiro highlights President Trump's foreign policy actions, portraying them as effective and principled.

Key Points:

• Ceasefire Negotiations: Trump has set deadlines for Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, threatening increased economic pressure if no progress is made.
• Diplomatic Efforts in Asia: Trump successfully negotiated a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, emphasizing the role of trade in resolving long-standing conflicts.
• Gaza Food Aid Controversy: Shapiro discusses the challenges in distributing food aid in Gaza, blaming Hamas and criticizing the UN for complicity. He advocates for a humanitarian safe zone managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and protected by the IDF.

Notable Quotes:

• "[49:22] Ben Shapiro: 'President Trump is coming around to the right solutions the vast majority of the time.'"
• "[56:16] Ben Shapiro: 'The real solution to any hunger crisis in Gaza is to set up a humanitarian safe zone...'"

Shapiro lauds Trump's proactive approach to international conflicts and criticizes existing institutions for inefficiency and bias, positioning Trump as a leader who prioritizes practical solutions over political correctness.

6. Jeffrey Epstein Controversy and Political Stability

Timestamp: [60:34 - 62:10]

The episode briefly touches upon the ongoing debate surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and its impact on President Trump's reputation.

Key Points:

• Epstein Allegations: Shapiro defends Trump against allegations of associating with Jeffrey Epstein, emphasizing that Trump has never visited Epstein’s island and distills the controversy as a manufactured political attack.
• Polls and Public Opinion: He notes that Trump's polls have risen despite the Epstein-related controversies, attributing this to public skepticism towards unfounded accusations.

Notable Quotes:

• "[60:34] Ben Shapiro: 'People are jumping on the word privilege there. You can see that he sort of laughs when he says that.'"
• "[61:45] Ben Shapiro: 'What do you think he's covering up? Seriously, this is what I want to know from all the people who keep claiming that Trump is covering something up.'"

Shapiro calls for concrete evidence to support conspiracy theories and criticizes vague allegations as futile attempts to tarnish the President's image without substance.

7. Closing Remarks and Membership Promotion

Timestamp: [62:10 - End]

Shapiro concludes the show by encouraging listeners to become members for access to exclusive content and previews upcoming topics.

Notable Quotes:

• "[62:10] Ben Shapiro: 'The show continues for our members right now. We'll get to some actual impending problems, perhaps for Republicans in the Senate.'"

Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Shapiro navigates through a range of contemporary issues, from tragic events and cultural controversies to significant economic and foreign policy developments. His discussions often center around critiquing left-wing narratives, defending conservative viewpoints, and highlighting perceived inefficiencies and biases in media and governmental institutions. The episode underscores the ongoing ideological battles within American society and politics, emphasizing the importance of traditional values and principled conservatism.