The Charlie Kirk Show: "Less Amnesty, More Jobs" – July 18, 2025

In the July 18, 2025 episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, host Charlie Kirk delves into pressing national issues, providing his conservative perspective on recent developments involving President Trump, immigration policies, and the critical state of blue-collar employment in America. The episode features a significant discussion with guest Mike Rowe, renowned for his advocacy of vocational training and blue-collar careers.

1. President Trump’s Defense Against Epstein Allegations

The episode opens with Charlie Kirk addressing the latest Epstein-related news, critiquing the Wall Street Journal's reporting on President Trump's alleged connection to Jeffrey Epstein. Kirk vehemently dismisses the claims as "obviously fakest thing" and a "hit job" aimed at tarnishing Trump's reputation.

• Quote:
  "I don't believe it. The Wall Street Journal releases this last night. Now, I quickly, and we quickly came to the President's defense because this thing was obviously a hit job."
  (00:52)

Kirk emphasizes that the purported letter from Trump to Epstein does not align with Trump's character, citing inconsistencies in language and lack of evidence such as the absence of the actual letter.

• Quote:
  "It just sounds so bizarre. When has he ever done anything like this?"
  (02:00)

He commends President Trump for authorizing Pam Bondi to unseal the grand jury testimony in the Ghislaine Maxwell case, labeling it a "bombshell development" that underscores Trump's commitment to transparency.

• Quote:
  "President Donald Trump has authorized Pam Bondi to move to unseal the grand jury testimony in the Ghislaine Maxwell case. This is a massive development."
  (06:30)

2. Immigration and the Debate Over Amnesty

Shifting focus, Kirk critiques the push for immigration amnesty, specifically targeting Representative Maria Elvira Salazar's stance. He argues that her proposals are misleading and detrimental to the administration's efforts to secure the border and enforce immigration laws.

• Quote:
  "Maria Elvira Salazar is pushing amnesty, and we talk about that."
  (00:37)

Kirk dismantles Salazar's "Dignity Act," asserting that it effectively halts deportations and creates loopholes for undocumented immigrants to evade removal.

• Quote:
  "If you pass this ridiculous dignity act, this is what will happen. Every illegal will claim that they have been here for more than five years, thus ending all deportation in real time."
  (13:30)

He underscores the consequences of such policies, emphasizing that they undermine the hard work of the administration in securing the border and maintaining economic stability.

• Quote:
  "This is a congressionally created corporate driven loophole. ... we did not have the rallies and millions of people vote in first time numbers so we could have the ICE agents who are getting doxed and having their lives put in danger not be able to do their job."
  (19:03)

3. Mike Rowe on Revitalizing Blue-Collar America

A prominent segment features Mike Rowe, who discusses the urgent need to rebuild America's blue-collar workforce. Rowe highlights the alarming number of open jobs in trades such as electricians, welders, and plumbers, juxtaposing it with the declining interest in these fields among younger generations.

• Quote:
  "We have 7.6 million open jobs, the vast majority of which do not require a four-year degree. They require training."
  (22:01)

Rowe critiques the cultural undervaluing of vocational careers, attributing it to the removal of shop classes from high schools and societal pressures favoring four-year degrees. He advocates for authentic conversations and success stories to inspire both parents and young individuals to pursue skilled trades.

• Quote:
  "It will take time. It's a multi-front war. ... honest, authentic conversations with people who look like them and talk like them and who have mastered a skill that's in demand."
  (37:07)

Kirk and Rowe discuss the economic impact of revitalizing skilled trades, with Rowe emphasizing the entrepreneurial opportunities and financial stability that come with mastering a trade.

• Quote:
  "Mastering a skill that's in demand can still take the right person with a modicum of entrepreneurial spirit and a little bit of ambition. It'll put that person on a road that leads to prosperity."
  (32:28)

4. Cultural Shifts and Overcoming Stigmas

The conversation further explores the cultural barriers that discourage young people from entering blue-collar professions. Both Kirk and Rowe agree that changing societal perceptions and celebrating the dignity of labor are crucial steps toward addressing the skills gap and meeting the demands of the modern economy.

• Quote:
  "We simply have to tell it. And then parents will get it. But it will take time."
  (37:55)

Rowe proposes allocating funds to share success stories from the trades, believing that visibility and representation can shift public opinion and encourage more individuals to consider these vital careers.

Conclusion

In "Less Amnesty, More Jobs," Charlie Kirk provides a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between political maneuvering and economic realities. By defending President Trump against unfounded allegations, critiquing immigration amnesty proposals, and highlighting the critical need for a revitalized blue-collar workforce with Mike Rowe, the episode underscores the importance of strong leadership and cultural change in addressing America's current challenges.

Listeners gain insight into how immigration policies and workforce development are pivotal to maintaining economic stability and national security. The episode serves as a call to action for policymakers, educators, and communities to prioritize skilled trades and reject policies that undermine these efforts.

For more detailed discussions and insights, visit Charlie Kirk’s website.