Episode Summary: "We Have a Border Again" – The Charlie Kirk Show

Release Date: March 14, 2025
Host: Charlie Kirk
Guests: Senator Mark Wayne Mullen (Oklahoma)
Podcast Description: Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative voice, delves into America’s most pressing issues with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach. In this episode, Kirk discusses significant developments in U.S. border security, legislative maneuvers in Congress, and fiscal strategies to address national debt.

1. Introduction to Border Security Achievements

Time Stamp: [00:00] – [02:40]

Charlie Kirk kicks off the episode by highlighting the remarkable progress made on the southern border under President Trump’s administration. He emphasizes the drastic reduction in illegal border crossings and sets the stage for an in-depth conversation with Senator Mark Wayne Mullen and references James Lankford’s controversial role in border legislation.

2. Significant Reduction in Border Crossings

Time Stamp: [02:40] – [07:52]

Kirk presents compelling statistics to showcase the success of Trump’s border policies:

• February Arrests: "US Border Patrol in the month of February arrested 8,300 border jumpers coming into our country in February. 8,300 in an entire month. That is the fewest ever recorded." [06:15]
• Comparison to Biden Era: "A year ago in February, 141,000 people were detained at the border. So we went from 141,000 under Joe Biden to 8,300." [05:55]

He contrasts these figures with the Biden administration’s approach, highlighting the shift from mass detentions and releases into American communities to stricter enforcement and deportations. Kirk underscores that these achievements are a testament to the administration’s willpower and effective policy implementation.

3. Critique of James Lankford’s Border Bill

Time Stamp: [07:52] – [15:13]

Kirk sharply criticizes Senator James Lankford for his role in proposing a bipartisan border bill that, in Kirk’s view, would have undermined the progress made:

• Potential Impact: "James Lankford would have allowed 5,000 people a day to come across the southern border... if he had his way, you would have had a rolling average of just 4,999 people a day." [09:45]
• Consequences: "He almost sold out our entire country. That was his motivation." [10:05]

Kirk argues that Lankford’s bill was a betrayal of the voters’ trust and an attempt to dilute national sovereignty. He lauds Senator Mike Johnson for opposing the bill, stating, "You gotta give Mike Johnson credit. It might have been one of the greatest things Mike Johnson ever did as speaker." [14:16]

4. The Senate Reconciliation Process and Fiscal Strategies

Time Stamp: [15:13] – [29:20]

In conversation with Senator Mullen, Kirk dives into the complexities of the Senate’s reconciliation process and the broader fiscal strategy to address national debt:

• Current Fiscal Year Challenges: "We're fighting over FY25... we need to cut the umbilical cord from the Biden administration." [17:54]
• Reconciliation Bill Goals: "We could approach a trillion dollars in cuts. I think $2 trillion is going to be tough." [24:48]
• Rescission Strategies: Mullen discusses leveraging rescission to eliminate unauthorized programs and achieve significant cost savings: "We could probably be somewhere around 250 billion to $500 billion in cuts right there." [26:30]

The discussion highlights the administration’s commitment to balancing the budget without resorting to tax increases. Mullen asserts, "Tax increases? Absolutely not. Not on the table." [31:57] He emphasizes the importance of spending cuts and fiscal responsibility, drawing on Reagan and Trump-era economic principles.

5. Legislative Hurdles and Future Prospects

Time Stamp: [29:20] – [35:56]

Kirk and Mullen explore the legislative hurdles ahead in passing the reconciliation bill:

• Approval Timeline: "We’re warping towards a fiscal apocalypse... We're probably going to be in July by the time we get it done." [24:35]
• Potential Inclusions: While focused on border security and spending cuts, there's room for additional measures such as immigration reform and establishing a sovereign wealth fund to address long-term debt: "We set up a sovereign wealth fund... specifically to pay off the debt." [34:36]

Mullen outlines the strategic approach to ensure the bill remains focused and effective, avoiding overcomplication by adhering to strict fiscal guidelines.

6. Conclusion and Call to Action

Time Stamp: [35:56] – [36:09]

As the episode wraps up, Kirk encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged:

• Stay Connected: "Email us. As always, freedomarliekirk.com thanks so much for listening and God bless." [36:00]
• Trustworthy News Source: "And news you can Trust, go to charliekirk.com." [36:10]

He reiterates the importance of celebrating the strides made in border security and maintaining vigilance against policies that could reverse these gains.

Notable Quotes

• Charlie Kirk on Border Success:
  "US Border Patrol in the month of February arrested 8,300 border jumpers coming into our country in February. 8,300 in an entire month. That is the fewest ever recorded." [06:15]

• Critique of James Lankford:
  "James Lankford would have allowed 5,000 people a day to come across the southern border... He almost sold out our entire country." [10:05]

• Senator Mullen on Tax Policy:
  "Tax increases? Absolutely not. Not on the table." [31:57]

• Fiscal Responsibility:
  "We set up a sovereign wealth fund... specifically to pay off the debt." [34:36]

Key Takeaways

1. Border Security Achievements: Under President Trump, illegal border crossings have significantly decreased, showcasing effective policy measures.
2. Legislative Challenges: Efforts by Senator James Lankford to introduce a bipartisan border bill were met with strong opposition, notably from Senator Mike Johnson, reflecting internal GOP conflicts.
3. Fiscal Strategy: The administration is focused on balancing the budget and reducing national debt through substantial spending cuts and strategic rescissions, without increasing taxes.
4. Future Legislation: Anticipation of a comprehensive reconciliation bill by July, aiming to solidify fiscal responsibility and maintain border security advancements.
5. Call to Action: Emphasis on the importance of public awareness and support for ongoing and future conservative legislative efforts.

This episode of The Charlie Kirk Show provides a detailed analysis of the current state of U.S. border security, legislative maneuvers within Congress, and strategies to address the national debt. Through data-driven discussions and strategic critiques, Kirk and Senator Mullen articulate a vision for sustained conservative governance and fiscal responsibility.