Podcast Summary: The Charlie Kirk Show – The Iran Regime Change Bait-And-Switch
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Hosts:
- Charlie Kirk: Founder of Turning Point USA and conservative commentator.
- Alex Marlowe: Breitbart News Editor-in-Chief and host of the Alex Marlowe Show.
1. Introduction and Current US-Iran Situation
[00:00] Charlie Kirk opens the episode by addressing the pressing question: "Is the US going to strike Iran?" He references President Trump's uncertain stance on the matter and sets the stage for a deep dive into the complexities surrounding US foreign policy toward Iran.
2. Shift from Nuclear Focus to Regime Change
Charlie discusses a significant shift in the discourse from solely addressing Iran's nuclear ambitions to advocating for regime change. He highlights that while the original focus was on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, influential figures are now pushing for the removal of the Ayatollah and the current Iranian regime.
[07:45] Charlie Kirk states:
"We have been told it's all about nuclear weapons. But it seems as if there is a more aggressive push to get rid of the Ayatollah."
This shift, according to Kirk, indicates a broader neoconservative agenda that goes beyond national security concerns.
3. Critique of Neoconservatives’ Approach
Kirk and Marlowe critically examine the neoconservative push for regime change, pointing out the repeated failures of such interventions in the Middle East over the past two decades. They cite examples like Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria to illustrate the disastrous consequences of forced regime changes.
[08:42] Lindsey Graham’s Remarks:
Lindsey Graham expresses his desire for regime change, stating:
"Taking the Ayatollah's regime down is a good thing, not a bad thing. And I'm willing to risk what happens next because I know what's going to happen."
[09:30] Charlie Kirk responds:
"Sounds good, right? That is such an immature, shallow, sloppy, irresponsible, insane, frenetic approach from a U.S. lawmaker."
Kirk emphasizes the unpredictability and potential catastrophe of forced regime changes, questioning the wisdom and foresight of such policies.
4. Support for Trump's Strategy
Both hosts express strong support for President Trump's measured and restrained approach to Iran. They argue that Trump's strategy, which focuses on targeted strikes to eliminate nuclear threats without pursuing broad regime change, is the most prudent path forward.
[22:32] Charlie Kirk elaborates:
"I TRUST President TRUMP 100% in this moment. He's a man made for this moment. Understand, he's been through all of this."
[25:38] Alex Marlowe adds:
"Trump is the man for the moment. Thank God. Literally, thank God that he's the one in charge, because he's the only one who's going to be able to, I think, balance all the various factions here."
They highlight Trump's past actions, such as the targeted killing of Soleimani and limited missile strikes in Syria, as examples of his ability to act decisively yet responsibly.
5. Domestic Policy: Border Control Achievements
Shifting focus to domestic issues, Kirk and Marlowe applaud the significant reduction in illegal border crossings under President Trump's administration. They credit stringent border policies and high-profile ICE raids for decreasing the numbers from over 64,000 to zero in a single month.
[31:18] Alex Marlowe exclaims:
"We went from 62,000 people crossing the southern border to zero in the month of May."
Kirk emphasizes the impact of these policies on national security and economic stability, contrasting them with the ineffective approaches of previous administrations.
6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In their closing remarks, Kirk and Marlowe reiterate their confidence in President Trump's leadership both in foreign and domestic arenas. They caution against the reckless ambitions of neoconservatives who prioritize geopolitical agendas over pragmatic and nation-first policies.
[34:41] Charlie Kirk concludes:
"We have been told it's all about nuclear weapons. But it seems as if there is a more aggressive push to get rid of the Ayatollah."
[34:55] Alex Marlowe adds:
"For more on many of these stories and news you can Trust, go to charliekirk.com."
Key Takeaways:
- Shift in US Policy Discourse: Transition from addressing Iran's nuclear program to advocating for regime change.
- Critique of Neoconservatism: Emphasis on the failures of past US-led regime changes and the dangers of repeating these mistakes.
- Support for Trump's Leadership: Endorsement of President Trump's balanced and strategic approach to Iran and border security.
- Domestic Achievements: Highlighting the success in reducing illegal border crossings and strengthening national security.
Notable Quotes:
- Charlie Kirk [08:53]: "Regime change is an outgrowth of a prideful, cloistered, sheltered view, acting as if you know certainly what is going to come next."
- Lindsey Graham [08:20]: "I hope it's eliminated. I would like to see this regime fall..."
- Alex Marlowe [19:00]: "These guys want a regime change everywhere on earth just for the sake of doing it. It is mind bogglingly horrible for this country to have these types of people leading our Senate."
This episode of The Charlie Kirk Show provides a robust analysis of US foreign policy towards Iran, emphasizing the importance of strategic restraint and national interest over aggressive regime change agendas. Additionally, it celebrates significant domestic policy successes, reinforcing the show's commitment to "America first" principles.
