Podcast Summary: The Charlie Kirk Show – "Prepare for the Pope Leo Psy-Op"
Episode Information:
- Title: Prepare for the Pope Leo Psy-Op
- Host: Charlie Kirk
- Guest: Senator Mark Wayne Mullen
- Release Date: May 9, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, host Charlie Kirk engages in a dynamic discussion with Senator Mark Wayne Mullen from Oklahoma. The conversation delves into a range of pressing political issues, including the implications of a newly elected American Pope, the intricacies of upcoming trade deals, tax reforms, and strategic moves against Planned Parenthood. Additionally, the episode touches on global concerns like Chinese acquisitions of U.S. farmland and offers a critical perspective on former President Joe Biden's tenure.
The Arrival of Pope Leo XIV and Its Political Implications
Timestamp: 00:53 – 02:50
Charlie Kirk introduces the significant news of a new American Pope, Pope Leo XIV, hailing from Chicago. He emphasizes the unique position this places America in the global spotlight, especially with President Trump's unexpected return to the White House.
Kirk expresses both optimism and concern regarding the Pope's potential influence:
- Optimism: "I'm very encouraged by this specific pope's prior comments on the sanctity of life... we are going to fight for freedom on campuses across the country." (00:53)
- Concern: He warns of a possible psychological operation (psy-op) wherein the Pope's statements on immigration could be hijacked by the left to promote open borders, regardless of the Pope's actual stance. Kirk argues that mass migration is a destabilizing factor and anticipates the Pope may hold more liberal views on immigration than conservatives expect.
Kirk underscores the strategic importance of being prepared:
- Quote: "Are they going to take down the walls of the Vatican? I don't think so. But more importantly, they're going to try to divide and destabilize and use whatever the Pope says as a way to slow down the sovereignty movement of the West." (02:10)
He concludes by urging listeners to remain vigilant and not be swayed by potential media narratives aimed at undermining nationalist and populist movements.
Judicial Appointments and Political Maneuvering
Timestamp: 11:30 – 14:24
The discussion shifts to judicial appointments, focusing on the nomination of Ed Martin and the subsequent appointment of Judge Jeanine as the temporary D.C. U.S. Attorney.
- Senator Mullen's Perspective:
- Acknowledges challenges in confirming Ed Martin due to his comments on January 6th but remains steadfast in supporting President Trump’s nominees.
- Quote: "I stand solid with President Trump, haven't wavered a bit, been pushing his nominees all the time." (12:00)
Kirk inquires about Judge Jeanine’s confirmation process, to which Senator Mullen responds optimistically:
- Quote: "More than likely she will [be confirmed]. I don't see any reason why she shouldn't just fly right on through." (13:50)
The conversation highlights the strategic importance of these appointments in strengthening the administration's legal and political stance.
United Kingdom Trade Deal and Economic Strategy
Timestamp: 14:24 – 16:33
Charlie Kirk and Senator Mullen discuss President Trump's strategic approach to international trade, specifically the recent trade deal with the United Kingdom.
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Kirk's Observation: Praises Trump's method of negotiating with multiple countries simultaneously rather than individually, which sets a precedent for future trade negotiations.
- Quote: "President Trump's brilliant approach to try to open up American exports and how that applies to the people of Oklahoma and the entire country." (14:50)
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Senator Mullen's Analysis:
- Supports the comprehensive strategy, noting its effectiveness in leveling the playing field and encouraging other nations to follow suit.
- Quote: "President Trump's approach was spot on... putting everybody on notice." (15:10)
- Emphasizes the importance of America leading economically, highlighting past subsidies to other nations and the need to reclaim manufacturing jobs.
- Quote: "President Trump's the first president to ever have truly the backbone to say we're going to do something and shake up things." (15:40)
The segment underscores the administration's commitment to revitalizing American industries and securing favorable trade terms.
Tax Reform and Fiscal Responsibility
Timestamp: 16:33 – 22:27
The conversation transitions to fiscal policies, focusing on the White House's proposal to raise the top tax rate to 40% as part of a reconciliation bill aimed at deficit reduction.
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Charlie's Proposition:
- While personally opposed to higher taxes, Kirk expresses conditional support if accompanied by significant spending cuts and tax relief for the middle class.
- Quote: "Actually, I pay enough tax to the federal government... I think that if we can have a deal where middle class people can pay less... we have to pay a little bit more." (18:10)
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Senator Mullen's Response:
- Shares Charlie's aversion to tax increases, advocating instead for controlling government spending.
- Discusses the specifics of the tax proposal, including offsets like no tax on manufacturing overtime and Social Security.
- Quote: "I hate raising taxes to be honest with you... but if you want to do that, you've got to offset it someplace." (19:00)
- Outlines potential spending reductions, emphasizing the need to streamline government operations and eliminate waste.
- Quote: "We have been a bloated government since... since COVID... bring down the bloated workforce by 5 to 10%." (21:15)
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Policy Recommendations:
- Senator Mullen suggests leveraging tariffs to balance the budget once spending is controlled.
- Advocates for technological investments to enhance government efficiency and reduce payroll expenditures.
The discussion highlights a conservative approach to balancing the budget through a combination of selective tax adjustments and stringent spending cuts.
Defunding Planned Parenthood and Healthcare Funding
Timestamp: 24:45 – 28:24
Charlie Kirk raises concerns about the challenges of defunding Planned Parenthood within the current political climate, particularly in rural communities where community health centers rely on Medicaid and Medicare funding.
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Kirk's Argument:
- Questions the rationale behind cutting funds to abortion providers while not supporting pregnancy crisis centers that offer similar services without federal funding.
- Quote: "If those that butcher lives get money, why should those that save lives get no money?" (27:00)
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Senator Mullen's Insights:
- Acknowledges the complexity, noting that Planned Parenthood has integrated into community health centers, especially in rural areas lacking comprehensive medical facilities.
- Quote: "What Planned Parenthood has done is they've weaved themselves into our community health care centers." (27:44)
- Proposes two solutions: either exclude Planned Parenthood from Medicaid and Medicare funding entirely or remove them from community health centers altogether.
- Emphasizes the importance of restoring a clear line between funding and abortion services to ensure that community health centers can operate without facilitating abortions.
- Quote: "We need to change our direction and make sure we get laser focused on delivering it and still run lean and mean." (28:10)
Kirk supports a complete exclusion of Planned Parenthood from federal funding, advocating for the support of alternative pregnancy crisis centers that do not receive government funds.
Global Food Security and Chinese Acquisition of U.S. Farmland
Timestamp: 28:32 – 30:50
The episode briefly touches on the geopolitical concern of China purchasing vast amounts of U.S. farmland, potentially impacting global food supply chains.
- Charlie Kirk's Concern:
- Highlights China's strategic moves to control critical agricultural supply chains, including fertilizer and farming equipment.
- Quote: "The Chinese are buying up hundreds of thousands of acres of U.S. farmland... they're tightening their grip on global food production." (29:05)
- Emphasizes the importance of emergency preparedness in response to potential supply chain disruptions.
- Quote: "We can't control what China does, but we can control how prepared we are." (29:30)
He endorses Patriot Supply as a trusted source for emergency food supplies, underlining the need for Americans to be self-reliant in the face of global uncertainties.
Critique of Former President Joe Biden
Timestamp: 30:50 – End
The episode concludes with a critical monologue about former President Joe Biden, mocking his cognitive abilities and leadership.
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Charlie Kirk's Commentary:
- Uses humor and sarcasm to critique Biden's leadership and perceived mental decline.
- Quote: "Joe Biden looks somewhat sentient... Biden mumbling about how Trump can't lead the world without infrastructure." (31:03)
- Accuses the media of covering up Biden's mental state and praises the avoidance of hypothetical scenarios like a presidency under Kamala Harris.
- Quote: "He was a vindictive little fella... Thankfully, he's selfish." (32:00)
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Mock Interview Segment:
- Plays a fabricated clip of Biden addressing allegations of cognitive decline, which he dismisses.
- Quote: "They are wrong. There's nothing to sustain that..." (32:30)
Kirk emphasizes the importance of institutional trust and warns of destabilization due to perceived leadership failures, concluding with a call to remain vigilant against media manipulation.
Conclusion
Charlie Kirk wraps up the episode by reiterating the critical issues discussed and encourages listeners to remain engaged and proactive in supporting conservative initiatives. The dialogue with Senator Mark Wayne Mullen offers a comprehensive look at current political strategies, fiscal policies, and the broader implications of global influences on American sovereignty.
Notable Quotes:
- Charlie Kirk (00:53): "We will not embrace the ideas that have destroyed countries, destroyed lives. And we are going to fight for freedom on campuses across the country."
- Senator Mark Wayne Mullen (12:00): "I stand solid with President Trump, haven't wavered a bit, been pushing his nominees all the time."
- Charlie Kirk (02:10): "Are they going to take down the walls of the Vatican? I don't think so."
- Senator Mark Wayne Mullen (19:00): "I hate raising taxes to be honest with you... but if you want to do that, you've got to offset it someplace."
- Charlie Kirk (27:00): "If those that butcher lives get money, why should those that save lives get no money?"
Note: This summary omits advertisements, promos, and non-content segments to focus solely on the substantive discussions of the episode.
