Podcast Summary: The Matt Walsh Show – "Daily Wire Backstage: Trump’s Address to Congress"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Matt Walsh Show
• Host/Author: The Daily Wire
• Description: Fed up with the talking heads? Matt gives you a no-holds-barred take on today’s cultural, religious, and political issues. Monday thru Friday.
• Episode: Daily Wire Backstage: Trump’s Address to Congress
• Release Date: March 5, 2025

1. Introduction

In the latest episode of The Matt Walsh Show, part of Daily Wire's "Backstage" series, Matt Walsh joins fellow hosts Jeremy Boreing, Ben Shapiro, Andrew Klavan, and Michael Knowles to provide a comprehensive and candid analysis of former President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. Released on March 5, 2025, the episode delves deep into the key issues discussed during Trump's speech, the reactions from both conservatives and Democrats, and the broader implications for American politics.

2. Overview of Trump’s Address to Congress

Jeremy Boreing introduces the episode by highlighting the significance of Trump’s speech, which some refer to as a "State of the Union." Hosted live from Nashville with remote participation from the Capitol, notable guests like former ICE acting director and current border czar Tom Holman join the discussion. The group emphasizes the historic nature of Trump’s comeback as the 47th president and sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of his policies and rhetoric.

3. Border Security and Illegal Immigration

A central theme of Trump’s address was border security. Tom Holman lauds the administration's achievements, citing a dramatic reduction in border crossings:

"President Trump did that in three weeks. So think what he's going to do in the next 47 months. So we got the most secure border ever. Right now." (04:00)

Matt Walsh reinforces this by arguing that securing the border inherently lowers deportation numbers:

"So when the media tries to claim that, well, the deportation numbers aren't as high as what Trump promised, the point is that the border is being secure, so we're not having the people come in." (03:31)

The hosts debate the effectiveness of Trump’s border policies compared to the Biden administration, with a consensus that Trump's measures have significantly improved border security and reduced illegal immigration.

4. Responses to Democrats’ Reactions

The episode critically examines the Democratic response during Trump’s speech. Matt Walsh and Ben Shapiro express disappointment over the lack of support from Democratic members, highlighting instances of heckling and non-applauding behavior:

"The performance by the Democrats I thought was just disgraceful and ridiculous." – Matt Walsh (85:21)

Ben Shapiro adds:

"They don't just not stand up, they're literally booing him. Unbelievable." (51:26)

This behavior is interpreted by the hosts as a sign of Democratic disarray and loss of influence, contrasting sharply with the enthusiastic Republican reception.

5. Foreign Policy and Tariffs Discussion

The hosts delve into Trump’s foreign policy, particularly his stance on Ukraine and Russia. Andrew Klavan discusses the potential ramifications of Trump's policies:

"He’s going to have to improve the economy, bring down prices, resolve the debt, and build our military back because we're in big trouble with our military as China's military soars." (50:23)

Tariffs also feature prominently in the discussion. Michael Knowles and Ben Shapiro debate whether Trump is using tariffs as a strategic leverage tool or as a principled economic stance:

"President Trump likes good headlines and he does not like bad headlines." – Andrew Klavan (82:27)

"Trump has been advancing this view, that he really believes as a matter of principle in tariffs." – Ben Shapiro (89:35)

The hosts express concerns about the economic implications of Trump’s tariff policies, questioning their sustainability and potential to incite trade wars.

6. Analysis of the Speech’s Impact

Jeremey Boreing and the panel assess the broader impact of Trump’s speech on American politics. They posit that Trump's aggressive rhetoric and policy declarations have demoralized Democrats and reinvigorated the Republican base:

"The only point that still stands up is that we have a leader. It's an extraordinary, he's an extraordinary person and an extraordinary moment." – Michael Knowles (75:29)

The consensus is that Trump's address solidifies his standing within the GOP while showcasing the Democratic Party's vulnerabilities and lack of unified opposition.

7. Notable Moments and Host Reactions

The episode features firsthand accounts from hosts present at the event. Matt Walsh describes the energetic atmosphere among Republicans and the subdued, disoriented demeanor of Democrats:

"The Democrats felt dead. They felt dead because there's just no juice to the resistance anymore." – Andrew Klavan (86:22)

Ben Shapiro recounts observing Trump's charisma and strategic maneuvers during the address, noting moments that underscored Trump's dominance in the room.

8. Conclusion

The Matt Walsh Show provides a thorough and engaging analysis of Donald Trump’s address to Congress, encapsulating the successes of his administration in border security, critiquing Democratic responses, and exploring the complexities of his foreign policy and tariff strategies. Through lively discussion and insightful commentary, the hosts offer listeners a clear perspective on the shifting dynamics within American politics and the implications of Trump’s leadership as the nation moves forward.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Holman (04:00): "President Trump did that in three weeks. So think what he's going to do in the next 47 months. So we got the most secure border ever. Right now."

• Matt Walsh (03:31): "So when the media tries to claim that, well, the deportation numbers aren't as high as what Trump promised, the point is that the border is being secure, so we're not having the people come in."

• Matt Walsh (85:21): "The performance by the Democrats I thought was just disgraceful and ridiculous."

• Ben Shapiro (51:26): "They don't just not stand up, they're literally booing him. Unbelievable."

• Andrew Klavan (82:27): "President Trump likes good headlines and he does not like bad headlines."

• Ben Shapiro (89:35): "Trump has been advancing this view, that he really believes as a matter of principle in tariffs."

Listeners who missed the episode will find this summary a comprehensive overview of the key discussions surrounding Trump’s monumental address to Congress, offering insights into the evolving political landscape and the strategies employed by both Republicans and Democrats in the wake of the speech.