Summary of "Daily Wire Backstage: Trump’s Address to Congress"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Michael Knowles Show
• Host/Author: The Daily Wire
• Episode: Daily Wire Backstage: Trump’s Address to Congress
• Release Date: March 5, 2025

1. Introduction

The episode begins with Michael Knowles promoting an upcoming episode of Daily Wire Backstage, featuring notable hosts like Ben Shapiro, Matt Walsh, Andrew Klavan, and guest Jeremy Boring. The focus quickly shifts to the live coverage of former President Donald Trump’s address to Congress, which some refer to as a "State of the Union" address.

Michael Knowles [00:00]:

"The latest episode of Daily Wire Backstage is right around the corner and you do not want to miss it."

2. Overview of Trump's Address

Jeremy Boring introduces the panel discussing Trump's address, highlighting the significance of Trump returning to the Capitol as the "47th president." Tom Holman, the former acting director of ICE and current border czar, joins the discussion.

Jeremy Boring [00:49]:

"Some people call it a State of the Union. Some people will get onto us if we do call it a State of the Union. It's very controversial."

3. Immigration and Border Security

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Trump's achievements in border security. Tom Holman presents statistics showcasing a dramatic reduction in border crossings and increased efficiency in Border Patrol operations under Trump's administration.

Tom Holman [02:27]:

"In three weeks, President Trump accomplished what the Biden administration failed to do in four years—securing the most secure border in U.S. history."

Matt Walsh [03:36]:

"The media tries to claim that while 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 people come in."

Holman emphasizes the effectiveness of Trump's policies in reducing illegal crossings, fentanyl seizures, and trafficking operations.

Tom Holman [04:26]:

"President Trump proves every day why he's the greatest president in my lifetime."

4. Democratic Response and Challenges

The panel critiques the Democratic Party's inability to effectively respond to Trump's policies. They discuss how Democrats have been unprepared to disrupt Trump's agenda and even accuse some members of educating illegal aliens on evading law enforcement.

Tom Holman [05:40]:

"These are congresspeople that begged for asylum rights, and they now educate illegal aliens on how to evade arrest. They ought to resign."

Matt Walsh [07:19]:

"What they're doing is the complete opposite with American taxpayers."

5. Foreign Policy and Tariffs

The discussion transitions to Trump's foreign policy, particularly his stance on tariffs and relations with NATO allies. While Tom Holman praises the tariff policy as beneficial for America, the panel debates its long-term economic implications.

Michael Knowles [16:22]:

"If you're involved in cartels, you are part of a terrorist organization, and we'll charge you with terrorist-related crimes."

Ben Shapiro adds that Trump's approach ensures reciprocal fairness in trade deals.

Ben Shapiro [28:51]:

"Balance tariffs. Why should we have tariffs on our goods going out and not put tariffs on people coming in?"

However, concerns about potential economic downturns due to tariffs are also raised.

Andrew Klavan [82:32]:

"If the key word there is reciprocal, he's going to use tariffs as leverage to get better deals. If it's principle, it might result in dire economic side effects."

6. Impressions from Backstage

Post-speech, the hosts share their personal observations from attending the event. They note Trump's charismatic delivery and assert that Democrats appeared disorganized and demoralized.

Michael Knowles [27:02]:

"Al Green, I think, introduced articles of impeachment against Trump and tried to impeach him like 150 times already."

Jeremy Boring [31:19]:

"What a triumphant moment for Donald Trump. It was an amazing speech."

Matt Walsh [84:46]:

"The Democrats sat on their hands and did not clap anything. They looked absolutely ridiculous."

7. Democratic Heckling and Republican Resilience

The panel critiques the Democratic response during the speech, highlighting the lack of applause for positive stories and the presence of heckling.

Ben Shapiro [38:36]:

"They simply do not know that we can see them. They don't get that they're standing there naked and the whole country is laughing at them."

Jeremy Boring [47:18]:

"President Trump enjoyed himself, and the Democrats felt dead. Their resistance fizzled out."

8. Trump’s Strategic Approach

The hosts discuss Trump's strategic use of tariffs and his unpredictable yet effective leadership style. They debate whether Trump's tariff policy is a strategic leverage or a principled stance, with implications for the U.S. economy.

Michael Knowles [90:35]:

"Trump's unpredictability is his strength. Adversaries must tread cautiously."

Ben Shapiro [91:30]:

"Trump thinks differently. His gestalt style blows away criticisms because of his immense confidence and ability to rally supporters."

9. Concluding Remarks

The episode wraps up with reflections on the evening's events, praising Trump's effective communication and the apparent decline of Democratic opposition. The hosts express optimism about Trump's administration and the impact of his policies on both domestic and international fronts.

Ben Shapiro [100:47]:

"Trump is an extraordinary person and moment. He has this way of blowing away all the kind of picayune criticisms."

Andrew Klavan [96:05]:

"Trump thinks in a simple way: What’s in it for us. It’s straightforward logic that resonates with many Americans."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tom Holman [04:26]:

  "President Trump proves every day why he's the greatest president in my lifetime."

• Matt Walsh [07:19]:

  "What they're doing is the complete opposite with American taxpayers."

• Ben Shapiro [28:51]:

  "Balance tariffs. Why should we have tariffs on our goods going out and not put tariffs on people coming in?"

• Jeremy Boring [31:19]:

  "What a triumphant moment for Donald Trump. It was an amazing speech."

• Ben Shapiro [38:36]:

  "They simply do not know that we can see them. They don't get that they're standing there naked and the whole country is laughing at them."

• Michael Knowles [90:35]:

  "Trump's unpredictability is his strength. Adversaries must tread cautiously."

• Ben Shapiro [100:47]:

  "Trump is an extraordinary person and moment. He has this way of blowing away all the kind of picayune criticisms."

Conclusion

The episode provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of Donald Trump's address to Congress, emphasizing his administration's strides in border security, the strategic use of tariffs, and the diminished effectiveness of Democratic opposition. The hosts commend Trump's charismatic leadership and foresee his policies reshaping both domestic and international landscapes. The conversation also underscores the changing dynamics in political discourse, with traditional media losing its influence and new platforms amplifying conservative voices.