Podcast Summary: The Charlie Kirk Show Episode Title: How the Big Beautiful Bill Affects Our Big Beautiful Border
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Host: Charlie Kirk
Guest: Tom Homan, Border Czar

Introduction

In this episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, host Charlie Kirk, while traveling in the United Kingdom, delves into the intricacies of the "Big Beautiful Bill" and its profound impact on U.S. border security. With guest Tom Homan, the Border Czar, the discussion centers on the bill's provisions, funding requirements, and the broader implications for immigration policy and national security.

Overview of the Big Beautiful Bill

Border Security Enhancements Tom Homan provides a comprehensive breakdown of how the bill aims to fortify the U.S. border. Key components include:

• Increase in Border Patrol Agents: The bill allocates funds to hire more border agents, addressing the current shortfall.

  "It's going to add more border agents, border patrol agents to the border..." [02:42]

• Technological Upgrades: Implementation of advanced technology at ports of entry to enhance drug and contraband detection while expediting legal trade.

  "It's going to add more technology to port of entry so we seize more drugs, more contraband coming through." [02:42]

• Wall Completion: Funding to complete several hundred miles of the border wall, complemented by water buoys to prevent illegal crossings via rivers, thereby saving lives.

  "It's gonna save a lot of lives. Because once a lot of illegal aliens see that buoy that you can't get over you, they won't risk getting in the river and drowning." [02:42]

• Communication Improvements: Investment in technology to enhance communication among border patrol agents, especially in areas lacking radio towers.

  "There are a lot of areas on the border where there is no radio tower. There is no capability of a repeater system." [02:42]

Interior Operations Funding The bill also focuses on strengthening interior operations by:

• Increasing ICE Personnel: Funding for an additional 10,000 ICE agents to address the vast number of illegal aliens.

  "It's going to increase ICE by 10,000, which we need right now." [02:42]

• Detention Facilities Expansion: Allocating funds to build more detention beds, addressing the current capacity issues.

  "We need 100,000 beds... It's going to let us find beds because every person we arrest, we got to admit them before we get travel docs and send them home." [02:42]

Funding and Budget Discussions

Andrew Colvett and Tom Homan engage in a detailed discussion about the bill's financial aspects. The conversation highlights the urgent need for funding to implement the bill's provisions fully.

"I'd like to see more, but right now we're hurting for every dollar that we can get right now." [06:01]

Homan emphasizes the critical necessity of immediate funding to maintain and expand border operations, citing current deficits and the pressing need for resources to handle the detained individuals.

Deportation Goals and Challenges

The bill sets ambitious targets for mass deportations, aiming for half a million to a million per year. Homan discusses the feasibility of these numbers, acknowledging both the potential and the obstacles.

"Half a million is absolutely realistic. We're shooting for a million." [07:40]

Challenges include:

• Manpower Shortages: The current ratio of ERO officers to illegal aliens is inadequate.

  "There are 6,000 ERO officers compared to 20 million illegal aliens." [07:40]

• Sanctuary Cities and Political Opposition: Sanctuary jurisdictions impede enforcement efforts, and nationwide injunctions slow down operations.

  "Sanctuary cities... make your community safer and not assist us with criminals, public safety threats in your community." [09:28]

Messages to Opponents and Law Enforcement Support

Homan addresses representatives opposing the bill, emphasizing accountability and the rule of law. He underscores that no one is above the law, including elected officials.

"Shame on you. You can support sanctuary cities. Shame on you. Sanctuary cities." [09:28]

Homan articulates a firm stance against those who impede ICE operations, asserting that criminal actions against agents will be prosecuted.

Legislative Process and Challenges in the Senate

Andrew Colvett outlines the legislative hurdles the bill faces, particularly in the Senate. The key issues include:

• SALT Deductions: State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions remain a sticking point, with certain representatives holding out for more substantial reductions.

• Budget Deficits: Concerns about the bill increasing the deficit due to expanded Medicaid spending.

Colvett expresses skepticism about the bill's passage in its current form, predicting it may face significant challenges and potential amendments before moving forward.

SALT Deductions Debate

The debate around SALT deductions is a central theme, with representatives like Rep. Andy Harris highlighting concerns over Medicaid spending under the bill.

"If somebody's able bodied and they can go get a job and they're living in their mom's basement playing video games, I'm sorry, you got to go get a job." [22:44]

Harris argues that without significant spending reductions, particularly in Medicaid, the bill cannot move forward effectively.

Medicaid and Medicare Reforms

Discussion shifts to Medicaid reforms, focusing on eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse. Key points include:

• Targeting Fraud: Efforts to remove individuals unlawfully claiming Medicaid benefits across multiple states.

  "We were able to determine that there are a million people who are claiming Medicaid from multiple states. That's illegal." [16:31]

• Spending Increases: Despite reforms, Medicaid spending is projected to increase by 25% over the next decade.

  "We're left with at least a 25% increase in Medicaid over the next 10 years from the current spending level." [22:08]

The conversation underscores the complexity of balancing Medicaid reform with budgetary constraints.

Criticism of Media and Joe Biden's Health

The episode concludes with a critique of media figures like Jake Tapper and discussions surrounding President Joe Biden's health.

"He is one of the most sanctimonious, hypocritical, garbage people on television." [31:51]

Andrew Colvett questions the transparency and accuracy of information regarding Biden's health, suggesting that reports of his cancer diagnosis have been mishandled or concealed.

Conclusion

The Charlie Kirk Show episode provides an in-depth analysis of the Big Beautiful Bill, focusing on its implications for border security and immigration enforcement. With expert insights from Tom Homan, the discussion highlights both the bill's strengths and the legislative challenges it faces. Emphasizing the urgent need for funding and comprehensive reforms, the episode underscores the broader political and social stakes involved in passing such significant legislation.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's going to add more border agents, border patrol agents to the border..." – Tom Homan [02:42]

• "Half a million is absolutely realistic. We're shooting for a million." – Tom Homan [07:40]

• "Shame on you. You can support sanctuary cities. Shame on you. Sanctuary cities." – Tom Homan [09:28]

• "We're left with at least a 25% increase in Medicaid over the next 10 years from the current spending level." – Andy Harris [22:08]

• "He is one of the most sanctimonious, hypocritical, garbage people on television." – Andrew Colvett [31:51]

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and non-listeners alike.