The Charlie Kirk Show - Episode Summary: "Is It Time To Pull the Covid Shots Off the Market?"
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Host: Charlie Kirk
Guests: Dr. Marty Makary (FDA Commissioner), Colin Plume (Noble Gold Investments)
1. Introduction
In this episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, host Charlie Kirk welcomes two distinguished guests: Dr. Marty Makary, Commissioner of the FDA, and Colin Plume from Noble Gold Investments. The primary focus centers on the ongoing debate over COVID-19 vaccinations for children, drug pricing reforms, nutritional guidelines, pharmaceutical advertising, and the benefits of reducing alcohol consumption. Additionally, the episode delves into the current state of gold and silver investments.
2. Drug Pricing and Most Favored Nation Status
One of the pivotal discussions revolves around President Trump's recent declaration to implement Most Favored Nation (MFN) status in drug pricing. Dr. Makary elaborates on the significance of this move:
Dr. Marty Makary [02:06]: "President Trump... wants to make sure Americans can get the same most favored nation status price that these other countries are getting."
Key Points:
- MFN Status Explained: MFN ensures that the U.S. pays the same price for medications as other wealthy nations (OECD countries), preventing American consumers from overpaying.
Dr. Makary [03:36]: "Most favored nation status is a declaration that Americans deserve... the price that wealthy nations get."
- Impact on Pharmaceutical Companies: While some argue that this could reduce profits and hinder R&D, Dr. Makary counters that the pharmaceutical industry is adept at adapting and emphasizes that the initiative will lead to increased drug availability and access, especially for lower-income and minority communities.
Dr. Makary [05:45]: "They are going to see more availability... More access, not less."
- Political Courage: The success of this initiative is attributed to President Trump's willingness to confront powerful pharma lobbyists, unlike previous administrations.
Dr. Makary [06:12]: "It takes a bold move where you're willing to go up against massive special interests and lobbyists to get this done."
3. Safety and Efficacy of COVID Shots for Children
A significant portion of the discussion centers on whether COVID-19 vaccines should remain on the child vaccination schedule. Dr. Makary provides his insights:
Dr. Marty Makary [12:25]: "I'd love to see the evidence to show that giving young, healthy children another Covid shot... but that evidence does not exist."
Key Points:
- Lack of Evidence: Currently, there is no substantial randomized controlled data supporting the necessity of additional COVID-19 boosters for young, healthy children.
Dr. Makary [12:25]: "There's no good randomized control data that the current version... is necessary for young, healthy children."
- Global Stance: Leading countries in Europe have already recommended against administering additional COVID-19 shots to young children.
Dr. Makary [12:25]: "Other countries have already recommended against it."
- Potential Changes: Dr. Makary anticipates forthcoming announcements reflecting a reevaluation of COVID-19 vaccine requirements for children.
4. Food Pyramid and Nutritional Guidance
Charlie Kirk and Dr. Makary critique the longstanding U.S. food pyramid, arguing it's more reflective of corporate interests than public health.
Dr. Marty Makary [14:28]: "It's probably one of the greatest pieces of misinformation put out by the United States government on health is that food pyramid."
Key Points:
- Propaganda Concerns: The food pyramid is criticized for promoting corporate-favored food groups rather than genuinely healthy dietary practices.
Dr. Makary [14:28]: "It was about what companies wanted you to buy."
- Health Implications: The misguided emphasis has contributed to rising health issues among children, including obesity and neurological disorders.
Dr. Makary [15:29]: "It matters what those calories are."
- FDA's Role: The FDA is actively revising nutrition guidelines to prioritize whole, natural foods over processed alternatives.
Dr. Makary [15:53]: "People have gotta be eating whole foods, natural foods, things that appear in nature."
5. Pharmaceutical Advertising and Safety
The conversation shifts to the influence of pharmaceutical advertising on public perception and drug usage.
Dr. Marty Makary [16:23]: "We are looking at everything... to make sure people are properly informed and not just we are drugging our nation's kids at scale."
Key Points:
- Regulatory Review: The FDA is scrutinizing pharmaceutical ads to ensure accurate representation of drug benefits and side effects.
Dr. Makary [16:23]: "Make sure you're getting accurate claims as to what the side effects are."
- Advisory Committees: Steps have been taken to remove industry members from FDA advisory committees to maintain independence and integrity.
Dr. Makary [16:23]: "We have removed pharma and industry members from FDA advisory committees."
- Promotion of Transparency: The FDA aims to balance facilitating pharmaceutical innovation while safeguarding public health.
6. Health Benefits of Quitting Alcohol
Colin Plume shares his personal journey of quitting alcohol, highlighting significant health and professional benefits. Both guests emphasize the importance of reducing alcohol consumption for overall well-being.
Charlie Kirk [19:01]: "I haven't had a drink in what, four or five years? ... I want to be more successful."
Key Points:
- Enhanced Clarity and Performance: Quitting alcohol leads to improved memory, sharper focus, and better engagement both personally and professionally.
Colin Plume [21:02]: "Clarity. Conversations. Employees, like, my... frustration with your kids has gone."
- Improved Physical Health: Better sleep quality and reduced inflammatory markers contribute to overall health gains.
Charlie Kirk [22:43]: "Bad for your skin, it's bad for your sleep, it's bad for all those."
- Social Acceptance: While some may initially react negatively to alcohol-free lifestyles, the benefits often inspire others to consider similar changes.
7. Gold and Silver Investments
Colin Plume provides an in-depth analysis of the current gold and silver markets, discussing trends, investment strategies, and the impact of geopolitical factors.
Key Points:
- Market Performance: Since President Trump's election, gold prices have surged by 34%, reaching $3,200 per ounce amid economic uncertainties.
Colin Plume [26:22]: "Since President Trump's been in office, gold is up 34%."
- Investor Sentiment: A growing number of Americans view gold as a safer investment compared to the dollar and equities, yet less than 10% own physical gold.
Colin Plume [26:22]: "25% of Americans feel more confident about gold than they feel about the dollar and they feel even about Equities."
- Silver's Potential: Silver, with its industrial applications, presents a unique investment opportunity, especially given its roles in technology and defense.
Colin Plume [34:20]: "Silver is going to be interesting... into solar panels that, you know, that seems to be growing and growing."
- Fraud Prevention: Emphasizing the importance of dealing with reputable dealers, Colin advises investors to focus on bullion coins and bars with high purity and maintain good relationships for future transactions.
Colin Plume [37:56]: "You need a relationship... with someone."
- Investment Strategy: Diversification is crucial, and physical assets like gold and silver can provide stability against market volatility.
8. Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with Charlie Kirk highlighting the importance of personal choices in health and wealth. He underscores the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle and prudent financial investments, encouraging listeners to take actionable steps towards improving their lives.
Charlie Kirk [33:05]: "I could not do what I do if I even had moderate consumption of alcohol. Impossible."
Final Thoughts:
- Holistic Well-being: Combining healthy lifestyle choices with smart financial decisions can lead to substantial improvements in quality of life.
- Empowerment through Information: By staying informed and making conscious decisions, individuals can navigate the complexities of healthcare and financial markets effectively.
Notable Quotes:
- Dr. Marty Makary [03:36]: "Most favored nation status is a declaration that Americans deserve... the price that wealthy nations get."
- Charlie Kirk [12:25]: "I'd love to see the evidence to show that giving young, healthy children another Covid shot... but that evidence does not exist."
- Dr. Marty Makary [14:28]: "It was about what companies wanted you to buy."
- Colin Plume [26:22]: "25% of Americans feel more confident about gold than they feel about the dollar and they feel even about Equities."
This episode of The Charlie Kirk Show offers a comprehensive exploration of pressing issues at the intersection of public health policy, personal well-being, and financial security. Through insightful discussions with Dr. Marty Makary and Colin Plume, listeners gain valuable perspectives on vaccine policies, the fight against high drug prices, the truth behind dietary guidelines, the perils of pharmaceutical advertising, the benefits of an alcohol-free life, and strategic approaches to investing in precious metals.