Podcast Summary: The Michael Knowles Show – Ep. 1690 - Trump Deports Pro-Palestine Columbia Student

Release Date: March 11, 2025
Host: Michael Knowles
Platform: The Daily Wire
Description: Bask in the simple joys of being right. The Michael Knowles Show cuts through the madness of our politics and culture, analyzing the top stories of the day. Monday through Friday.

1. Deportation of Mahmoud Khalil

Overview:
Michael Knowles opens the episode by discussing the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for leading pro-Palestine demonstrations on campus. Khalil faces deportation, which has been temporarily halted by a federal judge until a Wednesday meeting.

Key Points:

• Leftist Perspective: Argues for Khalil's right to remain, criticizing his support for Palestine and perceived anti-Israel stance.
• Right-Wing Dilemma: Some conservatives advocate for Khalil’s protection under free speech, regardless of his political views.
• Knowles' Stance: Advocates for Khalil's deportation, not out of concern for the Israel-Palestine conflict, but based on his status as a non-citizen former student of Columbia.
  “I, for one, think Mahmoud should be deported, not because I care all that much about the Israel Palestine conflict, but because he's a Columbia graduate student and all Columbia graduate students should be deported, even if they're American citizens.” [00:00]

Insights:

• The case exemplifies the broader ideological confusion within the conservative movement regarding immigration and free speech.
• Highlights the tension between national security concerns and civil liberties.

2. Ideological Confusion within Conservatism

Overview:
Knowles addresses a disconnect within the conservative ranks, particularly focusing on internal disagreements over policy and party direction. He references a funding bill supported by President Trump but opposed by some conservative members like Representative Thomas Massie.

Key Points:

• Funding Bill Dynamics: President Trump supports a bill increasing defense spending by $6 billion while cutting non-defense discretionary spending by $13 billion.
• Thomas Massie's Opposition: Known as one of the most right-wing members of Congress, Massie's "no" vote against the bill prompts Trump to threaten a primary challenge.
• Knowles' Analysis: Sees Massie's stance as principled but counterproductive, reflecting broader struggles within the GOP to define its future direction.
  “What defines conservatism? What defines our politics? The Trump election, certainly the Trump reelection signals a seismic shift, a tectonic plate shift in our politics.” [23:00]

Insights:

• Illustrates the ongoing power struggle between traditional conservative principles and Trump's populist influence.
• Questions the coherence and unity of the conservative agenda moving forward.

3. Analysis of Jubilee's "Surrounded" Show

Overview:
Knowles delves into a segment from Jubilee's "Surrounded" show, where conservative commentator Sam Seder engages in a debate with right-wing journalist Sarah Stock on immigration and cultural identity.

Key Points:

• Immigration Debate: Seder questions the premise of "xenophobic nationalism," while Stock defends the importance of a coherent American culture rooted in European and Christian values.

  Notable Exchange:

  Sam Seder [09:11]:
  “What's the problem with xenophobic nationalism? Don't you think that's better for Americans in general?” [09:11]

  Sarah Stock [09:15]:
  “Like xenophobic nationalism is better?” [09:15]

  Seder [09:17]:
  “We should have a coherent culture. Everyone should be a part of the same culture. We should have assimilation.” [09:17]

• Knowles' Commentary: Criticizes Stock's use of provocative terminology, arguing that America's dominant culture is historically based on European and Christian roots. Highlights the importance of understanding America's foundational identity in political discourse.
  “You can't really argue it didn't come from European values, European institutions... It comes from historical movements developed by real people from real places.” [10:05]

Insights:

• Emphasizes the significance of cultural and historical context in immigration debates.
• Points out the lack of understanding among some liberals regarding conservative cultural values.

4. Religious Fundamentalism Discussion

Overview:
Continuing the analysis of the "Surrounded" show, Knowles examines another exchange focusing on religious fundamentalism and morality between Sam Seder and a conservative interlocutor.

Key Points:

• Fundamentalism vs. Humanism: Seder critiques religious fundamentalism, while the conservative challenges him to define his own moral foundation.

  Notable Exchange:

  Unknown Conservative [23:46]:
  “Are you an atheist?” [23:46]

  Sarah Stock [23:48]:
  “I'm a reformed Jew... I have a foundation for my morale.” [23:54]

  Conservative [23:54]:
  “It's a humanist vision of what basically creates as little suffering as possible for as many people.” [24:37]

• Knowles' Analysis: Criticizes Seder's inability to clarify his moral philosophy, framing it as a consequence of liberal political philosophy that lacks a coherent ethical foundation. Argues that classical political philosophy's concept of a common good is superior to liberal individualism.
  “It's a great point... that it was a great question... but on the left." [24:57]

Insights:

• Highlights perceived weaknesses in liberal moral frameworks.
• Advocates for classical political philosophy as a more robust ethical system.

5. Commentary on Whoopi Goldberg and Transgenderism

Overview:
Knowles addresses recent media appearances by Whoopi Goldberg, critiquing her stance on transgender issues and broader societal implications.

Key Points:

• Goldberg's Statements: Goldberg expresses confusion over transgenderism, suggesting it poses a challenge not to trans people but to those who are not trans.

  Notable Exchange:

  Whoopi Goldberg [29:49]:
  “I'm not sure what's going on or why this is an issue... The challenge is not to the trans people, it's to the people who are not trans.” [29:49]

• Knowles' Critique: Challenges the validity of transgenderism from a theological and philosophical standpoint, arguing that affirming transgender identities contradicts the belief that "God doesn't make mistakes." Criticizes the left's abandonment of Christian concepts like original sin, which he claims provide a coherent understanding of human nature and morality.
  “God doesn't make mistakes. You're a boy. Now, what is needed here really, is just a more thorough and coherent anthropology...” [30:03]

Insights:

• Reflects the ongoing cultural battles over gender identity and religious beliefs.
• Advocates for a Christian-based worldview as a solution to perceived societal confusion.

6. Practical Politics: Continuing Resolution and Trump vs. Massie

Overview:
Knowles returns to practical politics, discussing the current legislative battle over a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government and prevent a shutdown. He focuses on the internal GOP conflict epitomized by Trump's threat to primary Thomas Massie.

Key Points:

• Continuing Resolution Details:

  • Increases Defense Spending: +$6 billion.
  • Cuts Non-Defense Discretionary Spending: -$13 billion.
  • Impact: Stabilizes spending levels and reduces certain federal expenditures without affecting mandatory spending programs like Medicare and Social Security.

• Thomas Massie's Opposition:

  • Known for his stringent fiscal conservatism, Massie’s "no" vote is seen as a principled stand against the CR.
  • Trump's Reaction:
    “He should be primaried all caps. And I will lead the charge against him.” [23:46]

• Knowles' Perspective:

  • Views the CR as a balanced approach to governance, balancing defense and discretionary spending without encroaching on mandatory programs.
  • Sees Trump's threat as a tactic to enforce party unity and align more closely with Trump’s populist agenda.
    “This will be a test of how much Trump dominates the GOP. I think Trump's gonna win.” [23:46]

Insights:

• Highlights the fractures within the Republican Party between traditional conservatives and Trump's influence.
• Suggests that Trump's dominance may overshadow even staunch fiscal conservatives like Massie.

7. Financial Times' "Women's Guide to Wearing Ties"

Overview:
Knowles critiques an article from the Financial Times that encourages women to wear ties as a form of power dressing.

Key Points:

• Knowles' Argument:

  • Argues that ties are traditionally a male accessory and that women wearing them is a misguided attempt to emulate male power structures.
  • Links the trend to feminist movements, suggesting it disrupts natural gender distinctions.
    “It makes you look like a lesbian... it completes an outfit for a man, but it's for a man, not for a woman.” [27:30]

• Historical Context:

  • Notes that women have worn ties for over a century, often as a statement of feminism or to break gender norms.
    “The suffragettes, for instance, wore neckties. Feminists of 150 years have worn neckties.” [27:45]

Insights:

• Critiques modern feminist trends that blur traditional gender lines in professional attire.
• Reinforces the idea that embracing distinct gender identities is essential for societal stability.

8. Closing Thoughts and Conclusion

Overview:
Knowles wraps up the episode by emphasizing the themes of ideological confusion and the importance of maintaining coherent conservative principles. He reinforces the significance of understanding America's foundational values and warns against abandoning them in favor of fragmented political ideologies.

Key Points:

• Importance of Coherent Ideology:

  • Stresses the need for the conservative movement to define and adhere to clear principles amidst internal and external challenges.

• Call to Action:

  • Encourages listeners to engage with The Daily Wire community for unfiltered, honest news and political analysis.
    “At the Daily Wire, we bring you the facts. No filter, no spin, no corporate lage.” [30:18]

Insights:

• Emphasizes the necessity for unity and clarity within the conservative movement to effectively counter liberal narratives.
• Suggests that maintaining traditional values is crucial for the future political landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• “I, for one, think Mahmoud should be deported, not because I care all that much about the Israel Palestine conflict, but because he's a Columbia graduate student and all Columbia graduate students should be deported, even if they're American citizens.” [00:00]
• “What's the problem with xenophobic nationalism? Don't you think that's better for Americans in general?” – Sam Seder [09:11]
• “God doesn't make mistakes. You're a boy. Now, what is needed here really, is just a more thorough and coherent anthropology...” [30:03]

Conclusion:
In Episode 1690, Michael Knowles tackles pressing political and cultural issues, from immigration and internal conservative conflicts to debates on morality and gender identity. Through incisive analysis and pointed critiques, Knowles underscores the importance of maintaining coherent conservative principles in a rapidly evolving political landscape. The episode serves as a call for unity and clarity within the conservative movement, urging listeners to stay informed and engaged with foundational American values.