The Charlie Kirk Show: "The Confirmation Continuum: Day 3" Summary

Release Date: January 16, 2025
Host: Charlie Kirk
Podcast: The Charlie Kirk Show

Introduction

In the "Confirmation Continuum: Day 3" episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, host Charlie Kirk provides live coverage and analysis of ongoing Senate confirmation hearings for key cabinet positions under the incoming administration. Titled "January Madness," the episode delves into the debates surrounding nominees for Treasury Secretary, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, and Secretary of Interior, among others. Drawing from real-time transcripts and interactions, Kirk offers insights into the political maneuvers and the broader implications for America's governance and economic future.

1. Treasury Secretary Confirmation: Scott Besant

Timestamp: [00:50 – 41:32]

Overview: Scott Besant, the nominee for Treasury Secretary, faced a series of probing questions from Senate Democrats, primarily focusing on tax policy, dependency on China for critical minerals, Federal Reserve independence, and regulatory stances.

Key Discussions:

• Tax Policy and Economic Impact:

  • Question: [02:37] "Do you agree that extending current tax policy actually costs money?"
  • Besant's Response: He acknowledges the importance of certain tax credits, such as the 45x manufacturing tax credit, which supports jobs and reduces dependence on China for critical minerals. However, he indicates a need for further review and understanding of specific provisions before committing.

• Federal Reserve Independence:

  • Question: [04:25] "Does it continue to be your view that the Federal Reserve should be independent of the president?"
  • Besant's Response: [04:51] "Of course. The FOMC should be independent." He disputes claims that President Trump wished undue influence over the Federal Reserve, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining its autonomy.

• Regulatory Policies and Security:

  • Question: [06:01] On opposition to certain Treasury regulations and policies, including security measures.
  • Besant's Response: He supports a return to office-based operations to enhance security and pledges to oppose counterproductive policies affecting Treasury operations.

Notable Quotes:

• [05:41] Besant: "On monetary policy decisions, the FOMC should be independent."
• [14:49] Besant: "When President Trump takes office, and if I am confirmed, I will follow what President Trump wants to do."

2. EPA Administrator Confirmation: Lee Zeldin

Timestamp: [07:21 – 32:35]

Overview: Lee Zeldin, nominated to lead the EPA, engaged in discussions about regulatory flexibility, support for small producers, and sustainable aviation fuel initiatives. His interactions highlighted a commitment to balancing environmental protection with economic growth.

Key Discussions:

• Regulatory Flexibility for Small Producers:

  • Question: [07:21] On EPA's one-size-fits-all approach to regulations.
  • Zeldin's Response: Emphasizes the need for "right-sized regulations" tailored to the circumstances of smaller producers, differentiating them from major corporations.

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel:

  • Discussion: Zeldin talks about the creation of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Caucus, aiming to integrate agricultural and aviation sectors to develop sustainable fuel solutions, particularly in Kansas.

• Permitting and Collaboration:

  • Question: [17:36] On improving permitting processes and inter-agency collaboration.
  • Zeldin's Response: Advocates for collaboration between agencies and Congress to streamline environmental reviews and support sound applications that benefit both the economy and the environment.

Notable Quotes:

• [07:45] Zeldin: "I want your commitment to work with the industry, these small producers to find right sized regulations for the circumstances that they're in."
• [20:24] Zeldin: "I look forward to doing my part to make sure the EPA is not holding up any opportunities to be able to pursue sound applications that otherwise would be and should be approved."

3. Secretary of Interior Confirmation: Doug Burgum

Timestamp: [32:11 – 38:17]

Overview: Doug Burgum, nominated for Secretary of Interior, addressed issues related to public land valuation, environmental regulation, and wildlife conservation. His responses underscored a focus on transparency, collaboration, and proactive conservation efforts.

Key Discussions:

• Public Land Valuation and Transparency:

  • Question: [32:35] On improving the valuation of federal lands to reflect their true worth to Americans.
  • Burgum's Response: Advocates for America's balance sheet concept, aiming to provide a clear financial understanding of public assets and liabilities to inform decision-making.

• PILT (Payments In Lieu of Taxes) Reforms:

  • Discussion: Burgum highlights the inefficiencies in the current PILT system, advocating for reforms to better support communities reliant on federal lands through adequate funding for essential services.

• Wildlife Conservation and the Endangered Species Act:

  • Question: [34:07] On collaboration with states to prevent species from needing federal protection.
  • Burgum's Response: Supports bipartisan efforts like the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, emphasizing proactive state-level conservation to avoid federal intervention.

Notable Quotes:

• [32:49] Burgum: "It is important for me to have always been able to approach this position with a clear conscience to make decisions that I can live with for my entire life."
• [35:10] Burgum: "I have been hugely impressed with the level of talent stepping up to serve at the EPA. That is the pressure that I am feeling at this moment is to bring out the best of EPA to make sure that we are fulfilling our mission of protecting public health and the environment."

4. Bernie Sanders' Grilling of Scott Besant

Timestamp: [11:39 – 26:16]

Overview: Senator Bernie Sanders engaged Scott Besant in a rigorous interrogation about the state of wealth distribution in America, the implications of oligarchy, minimum wage policies, credit card interest rates, and potential tax hikes.

Key Discussions:

• Oligarchy and Wealth Concentration:

  • Question: [11:39] "Do you think that when so few people have so much wealth and economic and political power, that that is an oligarchic form of society?"
  • Besant's Response: Vaguely addresses the definition of oligarchy, shifting focus to the importance of economic mobility rather than directly answering the implications of wealth concentration.

• Minimum Wage Increase:

  • Question: [12:31] "Will you work with those of us who want to raise the federal minimum wage to a living wage to take millions of Americans out of poverty?"
  • Besant's Response: [13:27] "I believe that the minimum wage is more of a statewide and regional issue."

• Capping Credit Card Interest Rates:

  • Question: [13:37] "Will you be supportive of what President elect Trump and I would like to do, which is to cap credit card interest rates at 10%?"
  • Besant's Response: Initially non-committal, later affirms support: [14:49] "When President Trump takes office and if I am confirmed, I will follow what President Trump wants to do."

Notable Quotes:

• [12:31] Sanders: "We have over 22 million workers making less than $15 an hour... the federal minimum wage remains an unbelievable $7.25 an hour."
• [14:28] Sanders: "Even if you had that mobility, no matter who those individuals might be."

5. Charlie Kirk's Commentary

Throughout the Episode

Analysis and Insights:

Charlie Kirk interjects his analysis between segments, offering a conservative perspective on the confirmation process and the political landscape.

• Comparison Between Republicans and Democrats:

  • Highlights the stark contrast in the Senate's response to confirmations compared to previous years, emphasizing the Republicans' efficiency versus the Democrats' perceived fatigue and lack of opposition.

• Oligarchy Debate:

  • [15:01] Contrasts Bernie Sanders' view of oligarchy with Scott Besant's approach, arguing that market economies allow for simultaneous wealth growth without the negative aspects of centralized oligarchic control.

• Economic Priorities:

  • Advocates for policies like "drill, baby, drill," no tax on tips, and restarting the American economy to protect workers and secure the southern border.

• Future Expectations:

  • Predicts a rapid confirmation of other cabinet nominees, foreseeing a swift and impactful start for the new administration.

Notable Quotes:

• [16:55] Kirk: "Bernie Sanders is correct. We've been saying that on this program for quite some time. But it's not the type of oligarchy that he thinks."
• [38:17] Kirk: "The pace at which the Senate is operating here is remarkable and the Democrats seem to lack a little bit of spunk."

Conclusion

"The Confirmation Continuum: Day 3" offers a comprehensive look into the Senate's confirmation hearings for key cabinet positions, highlighting the nominees' stances on pivotal economic and environmental issues. Through live coverage and incisive commentary, Charlie Kirk underscores the promising momentum within the Republican-led Senate, setting the stage for a potentially transformative administration. The episode not only documents the procedural aspects of confirmations but also delves into the ideological battles shaping America's policy future.

Notable Exclusions:

In adherence to the request, all advertisement segments, introductory and concluding remarks not related to content discussion were omitted to focus solely on the substantive portions of the episode.