Podcast Summary: "The Trump Effect | Congressman Mike Waltz" The Ben Shapiro Show | The Daily Wire | Release Date: December 22, 2024
Introduction
In this episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, host Ben Shapiro welcomes Representative Mike Waltz of Florida, a former Green Beret and the first Green Beret elected to Congress in 2018. As the Trump administration nominates Waltz for the position of National Security Advisor (NSA), the conversation delves deep into America's foreign policy under President Trump, exploring key areas such as NATO, Middle East diplomacy, the rise of China, and the evolving dynamics with Russia and Iran.
Transitioning to the Trump Administration
[02:19] Representative Mike Waltz:
Waltz begins by outlining the intensified pace of the Trump administration's transition team, highlighting Trump's unparalleled energy and unorthodox approach compared to previous administrations.
"...President Trump... his engine just does not stop. And it's part of it's keeping up with him, part of it's building the team..." [02:44]
He emphasizes the necessity of aligning the national security apparatus with Trump's dynamic leadership style to effectively implement the administration's agenda.
Core Foreign Policy Priorities
Iran and Hostage Crisis
[00:25] Representative Mike Waltz:
Waltz passionately addresses the prolonged detention of American hostages by Iranian forces, likening the situation to the infamous 1979 Iran hostage crisis during the Carter to Reagan transition.
"If you're a nation state or if you're a terrorist, you hold them hostage, there is going to be all hell to pay... maybe even a bullet in your damn forehead if you take an American, period." [00:25]
He underscores the need for unwavering consequences against nations or terrorist groups that illegally detain American citizens, advocating for a policy of deterrence through strict financial and military reprisals.
Middle East Diplomacy and the Assad Regime
[11:43] Representative Mike Waltz:
Discussing the volatile landscape of Syria, Waltz highlights the successful dismantling of ISIS under Trump's first term and the destabilizing impact of Israeli actions against Hezbollah.
"...taking down Hezbollah that everybody said couldn't be done and would be too provocative..." [14:29]
He warns of the potential for renewed civil conflict in Syria and emphasizes the critical American interest in preventing the resurgence of ISIS by maintaining pressure on Iranian and Russian influences in the region.
NATO and Defense Spending
[29:02] Representative Mike Waltz:
Waltz critiques the Biden administration's ambiguous stance on the Ukraine war, contrasting it with Trump's clear, leverage-based approach. He stresses the importance of burden-sharing among NATO allies, lamenting their slow progress in meeting defense spending commitments.
"...they are coming to a deal but they're not coming to a deal that benefits the United States interests..." [29:02]
He advocates for enhanced NATO contributions and better enforcement of defense spending to ensure a robust collective defense against Russian aggression.
Confronting China: A Geopolitical Adversary
Economic and Military Competition
[31:15] Representative Mike Waltz:
Waltz discusses China's aggressive expansion in space and cyber domains, highlighting the Trump administration's efforts to counteract China's advancements through initiatives like the Space Force.
"...SpaceX launched 80% of the global tonnage... Starship even comes fully online..." [40:43]
He emphasizes the necessity of a multifaceted approach to counter China, including reducing dependency on Chinese supply chains, enhancing economic policies, and strengthening military alliances in the Indo-Pacific region.
Taiwan Strait Tensions
[37:46] Representative Mike Waltz:
Addressing the critical issue of Taiwan, Waltz explains the strategic importance of the Taiwan Strait and the potential global economic repercussions of any conflict there.
"...90% of the world's largest shipping flowing through the Taiwan Strait..." [33:37]
He underscores the Trump administration's commitment to deterrence, advocating for a "boiling moat" strategy to prevent Chinese aggression by maintaining a heavily armed and ready defensive posture.
Latin America and Chinese Influence
[42:15] Representative Mike Waltz:
Waltz shifts focus to South America, highlighting China's growing involvement in the region's political and economic spheres. He praises leaders like Javier Milei of Argentina and Nayib Bukele of El Salvador for their anti-corruption and progressive policies, respectively.
"...helping us in getting moving some of that kind of lower skilled, high output factories into Central America..." [42:46]
He advocates for strengthening U.S. engagement with Latin American nations to counteract Chinese debt diplomacy and foster economic resilience within the Western Hemisphere.
Addressing the Southern Border and Drug Cartels
[46:00] Representative Mike Waltz:
Discussing America's southern border, Waltz compares Mexican drug cartels to terrorist organizations, criticizing the current administration's handling of border security and the influence of China in drug trafficking.
"If you renamed those cartels from Sinalo and Jalisco to ISIS and Al Qaeda..." [46:44]
He calls for a more forceful and strategic approach, combining cyber tools, sanctions, and intelligence to dismantle cartel operations and reduce the flow of narcotics into the United States.
Personal Journey and Nomination as NSA
[47:58] Representative Mike Waltz:
Waltz shares his personal background, detailing his military service, entrepreneurial endeavors, and legislative achievements. He highlights his alignment with Trump's "America First" agenda and his commitment to reforming national security policies.
"If we can herd the tribes in Africa or of Afghanistan, then I can herd the tribes in Congress and in Washington, D.C." [48:12]
He discusses his book, "Hard Truths", which draws parallels between his combat experiences and his approach to policymaking, emphasizing the importance of unconventional strategies in modern warfare and governance.
Confronting the "Deep State" and Bureaucratic Inefficiency
[53:19] Representative Mike Waltz:
Addressing concerns about the so-called "deep state," Waltz criticizes entrenched bureaucratic elites who, in his view, undermine the administration's mandate. He advocates for a leaner, more responsive government focused on output rather than bureaucratic input.
"...the President is focused on outputs. The team... are focused on outputs... What are the American people getting for all of this money?" [53:19]
Waltz calls for senior officials to engage directly with constituents, ensuring that policy decisions align with the electorate's interests and priorities.
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Representative Mike Waltz articulates a robust vision for America's foreign policy under the Trump administration, emphasizing strength, clarity, and strategic alliances. He reiterates the necessity of adapting to emerging global challenges, particularly the rise of China and resurgent threats in the Middle East. Waltz's insights reflect a commitment to an assertive, principle-driven foreign policy aimed at safeguarding American interests and maintaining global stability.
Notable Quotes:
- [00:25] "If you're a nation state or if you're a terrorist, you hold them hostage, there is going to be all hell to pay." – Representative Mike Waltz
- [29:02] "They refuse to define the end state in line with our interests." – Representative Mike Waltz
- [46:44] "If you renamed those cartels from Sinalo and Jalisco to ISIS and Al Qaeda... it would even be a debate." – Representative Mike Waltz
This comprehensive conversation provides listeners with a deep understanding of Representative Mike Waltz's perspectives on critical national security issues and his readiness to shape America's foreign policy as the incoming National Security Advisor.