Podcast Summary: The Matt Walsh Show - Ep. 1612

Release Date: June 11, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 1612 of The Matt Walsh Show, hosted by Matt Walsh of The Daily Wire, the discussion centers on the perceived decline of the LGBT movement, highlighted by Simone Biles' recent apology following her public critique of Riley Gaines. Matt delves into the broader cultural, religious, and political implications of these events, offering his unfiltered perspective on the shifting dynamics within American society.

Simone Biles’ Apology and the Decline of the LGBT Movement

Matt opens the episode by addressing Simone Biles' apology after her confrontation with Riley Gaines over Gaines' stance on the inclusion of men in women's sports. He emphasizes that such an exchange marks a significant turning point, suggesting that the LGBT movement is losing its traction and influence.

• Simone Biles' Critique of Riley Gaines

  At [05:30], Biles publicly accused Gaines of bullying a trans-identified athlete, stating, “You are truly sick. All this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser.” Matt argues that Biles' comments were not only unfounded but also hypocritical, referencing her 2017 tweet: “Good thing guys don't compete against girls or he'd take all the gold medals.”

• Public and Media Reaction

  Matt notes a drastic change in public and media reactions over the past five years. Five years ago, Biles would have been hailed as a hero for standing against "Riley Gaines' fascism," with activists and media outlets praising her bravery. However, in 2025, the response has shifted, with Biles facing backlash and being forced to issue a public apology.

• Simone Biles’ Apology Breakdown

  In her apology at [16:45], Biles stated:

  "I wanted to follow up from my last tweets. I've always believed competitive equity and inclusivity are both essential in sport. The current system doesn't adequately balance these important principles, which often lead to frustration and heated exchanges. It didn't help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for."

  Matt critiques her apology as insincere and "word salad," arguing that it fails to address the core issue: the inclusion of male athletes in women's sports. He asserts that Biles' need to retract her statements signifies a loss of power and influence for prominent LGBT advocates.

• Implications for the LGBT Movement

  Matt posits that Biles' situation reflects a broader decline in the LGBT movement's cultural dominance. He suggests that activism around gender ideology and inclusivity is becoming less effective, leading to increased disillusionment and fragmentation within the community.

Media Coverage: U.S. Troops in Los Angeles Surpass Deployments in Iraq and Syria

Transitioning to another significant topic, Matt discusses media reports claiming that more U.S. troops are now stationed in Los Angeles than in conflict zones like Iraq and Syria.

• Troop Deployment Statistics

  At [22:10], Matt cites an ABC News headline stating:

  "There are now more US Troops deployed to Los Angeles than Iraq and Syria. There are 4,800 activated Guard and Marine personnel in LA compared to the 2,500 troops in Iraq and the 1,500 in Syria."

• Public Perception and Policy Implications

  Matt interprets this shift as a reflection of American priorities, emphasizing national security and domestic stability over foreign engagements. He argues that most Americans see this as a positive development, aligning with their desire to focus on internal issues rather than overseas conflicts.

• Politicization of Military Deployments

  He criticizes the left for failing to understand or accept this prioritization, suggesting that left-leaning individuals are bewildered by the focus on American cities' safety over international involvement. Matt underscores that this stance aligns with the electorate's preferences, as evidenced by voter sentiments.

Renaming of Military Forts: Trump Administration's Decision

Matt critiques the Trump administration's recent decision to restore the original names of several military forts previously renamed to honor Confederate generals.

• Fort Renaming Initiative

  At [35:20], Matt quotes President Trump announcing:

  "We are restoring the names of Fort Pickett, Fort Hood, Fort Gordon, Fort Rucker, Fort Polk, Fort A.P. Hill, and Fort Robert E. Lee. We won a lot of battles out of those forts. It's no time to change."

• Historical Context and Honor

  Matt provides a historical overview of Robert E. Lee, arguing against the prevailing narrative that Lee was solely a proponent of slavery. He contends that Lee fought for Virginia out of loyalty and duty rather than a desire to preserve slavery, citing Lee's opposition to secession and his role in reconciliation post-Civil War.

• Educational Critique

  He criticizes the current education system for perpetuating misinformation about historical figures like Lee, asserting that contemporary society lacks a nuanced understanding of the Civil War and its key players.

• Cultural Shifts and Memory

  Matt laments that previous generations honored military leaders like Lee with statues and named forts, a practice now being reversed. He interprets this as part of the broader decline of traditional values and respect for history, aligning with his view of the right winning the battle over gender ideology but losing ground on historical reverence.

Josh Hawley’s Bipartisan Support for Federal Minimum Wage Increase

In a notable political development, Republican Senator Josh Hawley has aligned with Democrats to propose a bill increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour.

• Legislation Details

  At [50:45], Matt references The Daily Y's report:

  "Senator Josh Hawley joined with Senator Peter Welch of Vermont to introduce the Higher Wages for American Workers Act, aiming to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15.00 per hour."

• Economic Critique

  Matt argues that a uniform federal minimum wage fails to account for regional economic disparities. He highlights that states like Alabama and North Dakota, with lower costs of living, would face disproportionate impacts compared to higher-cost states like New York or Virginia.

• Employment and Business Concerns

  He warns that imposing a $15 minimum wage nationwide could lead to unintended consequences, such as businesses reducing their workforce, increasing prices, or turning to automation to maintain profitability.

• Demographic Implications

  Matt criticizes the bill for not differentiating between workers with varying responsibilities and financial needs. He points out that many minimum wage workers are teenagers or individuals without dependents, questioning the necessity of a living wage mandate for such groups.

• Ideological Alignment

  By highlighting Hawley's support for the bill, Matt portrays it as a departure from traditional conservative economic principles, emphasizing government overreach and interference in the free market.

Conclusion

Matt Walsh uses Episode 1612 of The Matt Walsh Show to critique significant cultural and political shifts in the United States. From the unraveling of the LGBT movement exemplified by Simone Biles' apology to the questionable wisdom behind bipartisan efforts to increase the federal minimum wage, Matt presents a narrative of decline in progressive activism and governmental overreach. He underscores a return to prioritizing American internal affairs, historical reverence, and skepticism towards policies that do not account for regional and individual variances.

Notable Quotes:

• Simone Biles on Riley Gaines ([05:30]):

  "You are truly sick. All this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser."

• Simone Biles’ Apology ([16:45]):

  "Individual athletes, especially kids, should never be the focus of criticism of a flawed system that they have no control over."

• President Trump on Fort Renaming ([35:20]):

  "We are restoring the names of Fort Pickett, Fort Hood, Fort Gordon, Fort Rucker, Fort Polk, Fort A.P. Hill, and Fort Robert E. Lee. We won a lot of battles out of those forts. It's no time to change."

• Josh Hawley’s Bill Introduction ([50:45]):

  "Senator Josh Hawley joined with Senator Peter Welch of Vermont to introduce the Higher Wages for American Workers Act which would raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 an hour where it's been since 2009."

Final Thoughts

This episode underscores Matt Walsh's commitment to challenging prevailing narratives and advocating for traditional values. By dissecting high-profile incidents and legislative efforts, he reinforces his stance against what he perceives as the overreach of progressive ideologies and governmental policies. For listeners seeking an unfiltered conservative perspective on contemporary issues, Episode 1612 offers a comprehensive and provocative analysis.