Podcast Summary: The Dan Bongino Show - "Spending Bill Passes House And Everyone Loses Their Mind" (Ep. 2440)
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Host: Dan Bongino
Network: Cumulus Podcast Network

1. Introduction and Context

In Episode 2440 of The Dan Bongino Show, host Dan Bongino delves into the contentious passage of the Continuing Resolution (CR) spending bill in the House of Representatives. The CR aims to maintain government funding temporarily to avoid a shutdown, but its passage has ignited heated debates across the political spectrum. Dan addresses previous discussions, highlighting the polarized reactions—90% agreement versus 10% dissent—and emphasizes the importance of having actionable plans rather than mere opposition.

2. Critique of the Continuing Resolution (CR) Bill

Dan’s Stance on the CR Bill

Dan Bongino opens the discussion by expressing his dissatisfaction with the CR bill:

"The dissent was basically all insults... I just asked, what's the plan if we are going to cut spending in the cr, which I would love to see."
— Dan Bongino [MM:SS]

He underscores the lack of constructive feedback from critics, noting that none provided alternative solutions, only negative feedback.

Lack of Alternative Plans

Dan criticizes the opposition for not having a viable alternative to the CR:

"All I asked for was a plan. Give me plan B. And I'm not kidding when I tell you this... Not a single one had a plan."
— Dan Bongino

He argues that without a strategic plan to address government spending, merely rejecting the CR is insufficient and counterproductive.

Reactions from Political Figures

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson:

Dan highlights Speaker Johnson’s acknowledgment of the CR’s shortcomings:

"Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. He knows this is a crap bill, but he knows it's a simple matter of arithmetic."
— Dan Bongino

Johnson admits that the CR bill cannot pass reconciliation and lacks sufficient Republican votes, rendering it ineffective.

Representative Melanie Stansberry:

Stansberry's exaggerated claims about the CR bill’s impact are scrutinized:

"Donald Trump spends the weekend calling... you guys are imposing... I can’t believe my ears today."
— Dan Bongino

Dan points out that Stansberry inaccurately portrays the CR bill as a tool for dismantling the federal government, labeling her assertions as "grotesquely exaggerated."

Congressman Chip Roy:

Roy’s critique of Democrats' stance on spending is addressed:

"Ladies and gentlemen, he’s saying literally every single Democrat voted for the CR that we just had in December."
— Dan Bongino

Dan emphasizes that Democrats have consistently supported CRs, contradicting their current stance against them.

3. The Importance of Having a Plan

Dan stresses the necessity of presenting concrete plans to address government spending and avoid shutdowns:

"You need a plan. Why are the Democrats freaking out and using the word literally? Why are they freaking out so much if this was such a terrible day?"
— Dan Bongino

He likens the situation to being trapped in a prison camp without an escape plan, highlighting the inefficacy of the current approach.

4. Tariffs and Economic Policies

Understanding Tariffs

Dan explains tariffs as taxes imposed at the border, discussing their role in funding the federal budget:

"Tariffs are taxes at the border... but in my humble opinion, we should raise the least amount of money possible to fulfill the constitutional roles of government."
— Dan Bongino

He advocates for using tariffs judiciously to offset tax cuts while avoiding excessive government expenditure.

Risks of Tariff Wars

Dan warns about the potential escalation of tariffs leading to trade wars:

"If you're not escalating to de-escalate, that it could get out of control. So we'll see what happens."
— Dan Bongino

He cautions that poorly managed tariffs can spiral into larger economic conflicts detrimental to both parties.

5. Ukraine Ceasefire Update

Donald Trump’s Diplomatic Efforts

Dan discusses the proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, portraying it as a strategic move by former President Trump:

"Donald Trump now, President Trump now has him [Vladimir Putin] in a corner and so does Rubio because if Ukraine says we'll accept this 30-day ceasefire and Russia breaks it, it gives Donald Trump an excuse to then rearm Ukraine."
— Dan Bongino

He interprets the ceasefire as a tactical maneuver to pressure Russia into negotiations, leveraging Trump’s influence to regain control over the situation.

Secretary Rubio’s Statement

Secretary Rubio’s acceptance of the ceasefire is analyzed:

"Today we made an offer that the Ukrainians have accepted, which is to enter into a ceasefire and into immediate negotiations..."
— Secretary Rubio

Dan critiques Rubio’s statement, suggesting it aligns with Trump’s strategy to weaken Russia while maintaining support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

6. International Relations and Tariff Negotiations

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Stance

Dan covers the exchange between Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Trump regarding tariffs:

"I will not hesitate to increase this charge if necessary. If the United States escalates, I will not hesitate to shut the electricity off completely."
— Doug Ford

Dan mocks Ford’s aggressive posturing, labeling it as a "silly tactical move" that doesn’t contribute constructively to negotiations.

Trump’s Response and Ontario’s Reversal

Trump’s retaliation and Ford’s subsequent retraction are highlighted:

"Based on Ontario Canada's 25% tariff on electricity, I'm adding an additional 25% tariff to 50% on steel and aluminum coming from Canada."
— Donald Trump

"Ontario Premier Doug Ford... decided it would be in the best interests of both countries."
— Dan Bongino

Dan underscores the futility of such brinkmanship, emphasizing the need for more strategic and less confrontational economic policies.

7. VA Secretary Doug Collins vs. Media

Confrontation with the Press

Dan showcases a clip where VA Secretary Doug Collins confronts a reporter over a misleading headline:

"We don't make a DOGE employee, which is funny because they're VA employees... I do everything I possibly can to push back against everything."
— Doug Collins

Dan praises Collins for his transparent and assertive response, contrasting it with media tactics that aim to sow fear and misinformation.

Analysis of Media Tactics

Dan criticizes the media’s approach to government accountability:

"When you wake up or when you're on your weekend and you get the fork in the road message... How do you think that makes federal workers feel?"
— Dan Bongino

He argues that sensationalist journalism undermines trust in government institutions by exaggerating threats and misrepresenting facts.

8. Additional Political Commentary

Elizabeth Warren and Elon Musk

Dan addresses comments from Senator Elizabeth Warren regarding Elon Musk:

"We are not bending our knee to Elon Musk or to Donald Trump. Now, why did we play this clip?"
— Dan Bongino

He criticizes Warren’s remarks as unfounded attacks that distract from substantive policy discussions, reinforcing his stance against perceived elitism and undue influence.

Senator Alyssa Slotkin’s Remarks

Slotkin’s comparison of American voters to teenagers is dissected:

"These are our angry teenage years... We're a pendulum swinging."
— Senator Alyssa Slotkin

Dan rebukes the metaphor, suggesting it mischaracterizes the electorate and fosters divisiveness rather than constructive dialogue.

Michelle Obama Podcast Rumors

Dan touches on rumors about Michelle Obama potentially launching a podcast:

"There was no possibility in 2024. And I was right. I’m going to open that window, though. It is a possibility in the future."
— Dan Bongino

He speculates on Obama’s motives, hinting at political aspirations, while maintaining that such rumors lacked credibility during the previous election cycle.

9. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Dan concludes the episode by reflecting on the episode's intense political discourse, the challenges of navigating a polarized environment, and the importance of pragmatic solutions over partisan rhetoric. He emphasizes the need for Republicans to present coherent plans to address government spending and other critical issues to regain public trust and legislative effectiveness.

Notable Quotes with Attributions

• Dan Bongino on the CR Bill’s Ineffectiveness:
  "The dissent was basically all insults... I just asked, what's the plan if we are going to cut spending in the cr, which I would love to see."
  — Dan Bongino

• Mike Johnson on the CR Bill:
  "He knows this is a crap bill, but he knows it's a simple matter of arithmetic."
  — Dan Bongino referencing Mike Johnson

• Representative Melanie Stansberry on Government Dismantling:
  "You all know what the real agenda is. The real agenda is that they're dismantling the federal government."
  — Dan Bongino critiquing Stansberry

• Secretary Rubio on the Ukraine Ceasefire:
  "Today we made an offer that the Ukrainians have accepted, which is to enter into a ceasefire and into immediate negotiations..."
  — Secretary Rubio

• Doug Ford on Tariffs:
  "If the United States escalates, I will not hesitate to shut the electricity off completely."
  — Doug Ford

• Dan Bongino on Media Tactics:
  "When you wake up or when you're on your weekend and you get the fork in the road message... How do you think that makes federal workers feel?"
  — Dan Bongino

• Elizabeth Warren on Elon Musk:
  "You can’t support efforts that expose government fraud because it undermines the argument that government's a benevolent force in your Life."
  — Dan Bongino interpreting Warren’s stance

• Senator Alyssa Slotkin on American Voters:
  "These are our angry teenage years... We're a pendulum swinging."
  — Senator Alyssa Slotkin

• Dan Bongino on Policy Over Rhetoric:
  "You need a plan. Why are the Democrats freaking out and using the word literally?"
  — Dan Bongino

Conclusion

Episode 2440 of The Dan Bongino Show offers a robust critique of the recently passed CR spending bill, highlighting the absence of constructive opposition and emphasizing the necessity for actionable plans to manage government spending effectively. Dan Bongino navigates through various political commentaries, international relations, and media interactions, providing his audience with a clear stance against perceived governmental and media inefficiencies. This episode serves as a call to action for Republicans to present viable solutions and for the media to adopt more responsible reporting practices.