Podcasts > The Ben Shapiro Show > Why I'm Giving Money To Donald Trump

Why I'm Giving Money To Donald Trump

By Ben Shapiro

In a recent episode of "The Ben Shapiro Show," Ben Shapiro dives into the current political landscape, exploring the potential outcomes of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. With a focus on recent polls signaling a lead for Donald Trump in key swing states, he scrutinizes the readiness of the Biden campaign, including considerations about the President's health and the absence of confirmed debates. The episode eschews discussion on the ongoing legal cases against Trump, keeping them outside the purview of election-related speculation.

Shapiro's analysis extends to the implications of the Biden-Harris administration's foreign and domestic policies. He scrutinizes issues ranging from perceived weaknesses in U.S. foreign policy and the ongoing border crisis, to the administration's stance on abortion and a politicized approach to the Nex Benedict case. Furthermore, Shapiro sheds light on the bipartisan efforts in Congress to mitigate the perceived national security threats from foreign-controlled apps like TikTok, with Congress weighing divestment measures to prevent potential exploitation by adversarial nations.

Listen to the original

Why I'm Giving Money To Donald Trump

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Mar 15, 2024 episode of the The Ben Shapiro Show

Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.

Why I'm Giving Money To Donald Trump

1-Page Summary

Likely Trump Victory in 2024 Election

Donald Trump leads Joe Biden in recent polls across key swing states such as Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, critical in determining the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Ben Shapiro emphasizes this advantage and notes that the Biden campaign has yet to commit to participating in debates with Trump. Shapiro also discusses President Biden's health, describing it as declining and potentially impacting his campaign. There is no mention of legal cases against Trump by Shapiro, leaving their relevance to the election outcome undiscussed.

Threats to US Security

Ben Shapiro expresses concerns over a variety of issues, including Biden’s foreign policy, which is perceived as weak, particularly in the context of relations with Iran, China, and Hamas. He criticizes policies that seem to favor appeasement and could embolden these adversaries. Shapiro points out that the Biden administration's approach could also undermine a potential democratic process in Gaza or the West Bank. Additionally, Shapiro highlights the border crisis with millions of illegal immigrants entering the U.S., and the rising crime rates in Democrat-run cities, using a violent incident on the NYC subway as an example of increasing danger.

Biden-Harris Administration Radicalism

Shapiro criticizes the Biden-Harris administration for their stance on abortion, implying that taxpayer dollars are wrongfully used to subsidize it. Kamala Harris’s visit to a clinic is highlighted as an instance of the administration pushing for abortion access. Shapiro denounces Planned Parenthood's reporting practices, suggesting they misrepresent their service statistics to downplay the proportion of abortions they perform. He also accuses the administration of exploiting the tragedy of Nex Benedict’s death by pushing transgender ideologies rather than acknowledging the facts of the case.

Bipartisan Effort to Address TikTok Threat

Shapiro outlines the bipartisan movement in Congress to address the national security threats posed by TikTok and similar foreign-controlled social media entities. He clarifies that the proposed measures involve divestment rather than an outright ban. The concern centers on foreign ownership of the app and its potential use as a propaganda tool by adversarial countries, primarily China. Despite opposition from figures like Jeff Yass, bipartisan support exists to address the risks tied to data mishandling and possible connections of TikTok with the Chinese government. Senator Josh Hawley is open to considering legislation aimed at ensuring foreign adversaries cannot exploit U.S. social media to conduct psychological operations or gather sensitive data.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Jeff Yass opposed addressing TikTok threats due to concerns about the proposed measures potentially impacting the app's operations and the broader implications for foreign-controlled social media entities. Yass's stance may stem from a perspective that favors less intervention in the tech industry or prioritizes different approaches to national security concerns related to social media platforms. His opposition highlights differing viewpoints within the debate on how best to mitigate risks associated with foreign-owned apps like TikTok.
  • The proposed measures for TikTok divestment involve requiring the app to separate from its current foreign ownership, particularly Chinese control, to mitigate national security risks. This divestment aims to address concerns about data privacy, potential propaganda use, and ties to adversarial governments. The focus is on ensuring that TikTok operates independently from foreign influence, especially from countries like China. Divestment is seen as a way to safeguard sensitive user data and prevent foreign interference through social media platforms.

Counterarguments

  • Trump's lead in polls does not guarantee a victory; polls can be inaccurate, and the political landscape can change rapidly.
  • Biden's reluctance to commit to debates may be a strategic decision rather than a sign of weakness or declining health.
  • Biden's health concerns are a personal matter, and there is no definitive public evidence that his health is significantly impacting his ability to campaign or govern.
  • Foreign policy is complex, and what is perceived as weakness by some may be seen as strategic patience or diplomacy by others.
  • The situation in Gaza and the West Bank is multifaceted, and U.S. influence on democratic processes there is limited and contested.
  • The border crisis and crime rates are issues with deep-rooted causes that may not be solely attributed to the current administration's policies.
  • The stance on abortion is a deeply divisive issue, and support for abortion rights is a legitimate position held by many Americans.
  • Planned Parenthood provides a range of health services, and the proportion of services that are abortions is publicly documented.
  • The exploitation of tragedies for political gain is a serious accusation that would require substantial evidence to substantiate.
  • The bipartisan effort to address TikTok's threats must balance national security concerns with free speech and privacy rights.
  • Legislation targeting foreign social media platforms must be carefully crafted to avoid overreach and unintended consequences for U.S. tech companies and users.

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Why I'm Giving Money To Donald Trump

Likely Trump Victory in 2024 Election

Commentator Shapiro addresses the potential outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, focusing on the possibility of Donald Trump’s victory over Joe Biden. Several factors are influenced by Trump’s stronger polling in key states, Biden’s health, and the status of legal cases against Trump.

Trump leading Biden in polls in key swing states Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan

Shapiro discusses recent polling data that illustrates Donald Trump’s lead over Joe Biden in various critical swing states. He underscores the importance of the swing states of Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan due to their significant roles in the electoral process.

Biden campaign refusing to commit to debate with Trump

Furthermore, Shapiro points out that the Biden campaign has not committed to a debate with Trump, avoiding a direct answer on the matter. This aspect is brought up as a potential strategy considering the shifting dynamics of the upcoming election.

Biden's declining health affecting campaign

Shapiro also speaks about the health of Joe Biden, presenting it as a serious concern for the campaign. He suggests that Biden’s health could play a crucial role in the election, likening it to a ticking time bomb. Accordi ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Likely Trump Victory in 2024 Election

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The polling data mentioned in the text indicates that Donald Trump is leading Joe Biden in key swing states like Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. These states are crucial in determining the outcome of the U.S. presidential election due to their historical significance in the electoral process. Trump's lead in these states suggests a potential shift in voter preferences compared to the previous election. The polling results highlight a competitive landscape and the importance of these states in shaping the overall electoral map.
  • Joe Biden's health concerns have been a topic of discussion due to his age and past medical history, including incidents of stuttering and aneurysms. Observers have noted insta ...

Counterarguments

  • Polls are not always accurate predictors of election outcomes, especially if they are conducted well before the election day, as voter sentiment can change.
  • The Biden campaign's reluctance to commit to a debate could be a strategic decision rather than a sign of weakness, and debates are just one aspect of a comprehensive campaign strategy.
  • Concerns about Biden's health may be overstated or based on selective reporting, and it is not uncommon for campaigns to manage a candidate's interactions with the press for ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Why I'm Giving Money To Donald Trump

Threats to US Security

Ben Shapiro raised concerns about a range of issues from Biden’s foreign policy, immigration, to crime in Democrat-run cities that could pose threats to United States security.

Biden weakness emboldening enemies abroad

Shapiro suggests that the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel and Hamas conflict reveals a broader foreign policy stance that is perceived as weak and thus could embolden enemies like Iran, China, and Hamas. He criticizes the Biden administration for attempting to balance their response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which he believes sends a message of weakness.

Iran, China, Hamas

Shapiro discusses various situations involving Iran and China. He criticizes the administration for their policies that seem to appease Hamas and implies that this could also be seen as appeasing Iran. Shapiro is concerned about Iran’s actions in the region, such as allegedly causing the Houthis to attack American-allied shipping in the Red Sea, which results in redirected shipping through the Cape of Good Hope, making goods more expensive and potentially threatening oil supplies.

Additionally, Shapiro discusses Schumer's position on election in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, arguing that Democrats are not pushing for a democratic process that could lead to a government hostile to Israel. He implies that there is an awareness among Democrats that a democratic outcome could lead to a government intent on Israel's destruction.

Shapiro also criticizes the conditions the Biden administration is setting on Israel for operations in Rafah against Hamas, implying such conditions are impractical and indicative of a broader weakness.

Border crisis

Shapiro states that under President Joe Biden's leadership, America is experiencing an open border policy that has led to the country being flooded with at least 7 million illegal immigrants. This is seen as a significant threat to US security.

Crime in Democrat-run cities

Violence on NYC subways

Focusing on crime within the US, Shapiro uses a violent incident on the New York City subway as an example of the increased danger under Democratic leadership. D ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Threats to US Security

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Shapiro criticizes the Biden administration for what he perceives as a weak response to the Israel and Hamas conflict, suggesting it could embolden enemies like Iran, China, and Hamas. He questions the administration's approach of balancing responses, which he believes signals weakness. Additionally, Shapiro is concerned about the implications of the administration's policies on Iran and China, particularly in relation to Hamas.
  • The connection between Iran, China, and Hamas in the context of US security revolves around concerns that the Biden administration's policies towards Hamas could be perceived as appeasing Iran, which could embolden both countries. Ben Shapiro criticizes the administration for what he sees as a weak stance that may embolden these countries to take actions that threaten US interests. The fear is that actions by Iran, such as supporting attacks on American-allied shipping, could disrupt global trade routes and potentially impact oil supplies, posing security risks to the US.
  • Criticism of past and current Democratic mayors in NYC stems from concerns about rising crime rates and public safety issues in the city, with critics like Ben Shapiro attributing these problems to the leadership of Democratic mayors like Michael Bloomberg, Bill de Blasio, and Eric Adams. The criticism suggests a perceived decline in safety measures and law enforcement strategies under successive Democratic administrations in New York City. This critique also includes concerns about the handling of violent incidents, law enforcement policies, and the effectiveness of security measures implemented by these mayors. The argument implies a correlation between Dem ...

Counterarguments

  • The perception of Biden's foreign policy as weak is subjective and can be countered by highlighting diplomatic efforts to de-escalate conflicts and engage in multilateral cooperation.
  • Iran's actions in the region are complex and may not be solely attributable to perceived U.S. weakness; regional dynamics and historical conflicts play a significant role.
  • The push for democratic processes in Gaza or the West Bank is complicated by geopolitical considerations, and the U.S. may prioritize stability and security over immediate democratic reforms.
  • The Biden administration's conditions on Israel for operations against Hamas could be seen as an attempt to minimize civilian casualties and adhere to international law.
  • The figure of 7 million illegal immigrants entering the country under President Biden's leadership may not be accurate or verifiable, and immigration policy effects on security are complex and multifaceted.
  • Crime rates in cities are influenced by a variety of factors, including economic conditions and social issues, not solely by the political affiliation of city leadership.
  • The increase in subway violence may not be directly linked ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Why I'm Giving Money To Donald Trump

Biden-Harris Administration Radicalism

Championing abortion access

Ben Shapiro critiques the Biden-Harris administration for its stance on abortion. He takes issue with taxpayer dollars being used to subsidize abortion, a move he attributes to the administration forcing its will on the public. Shapiro does not make a specific connection to foreign policy decisions involving Hamas in this context.

Kamala Harris has been vocal in her support for abortion access, visiting a clinic to reinforce the administration's stance. During her visit, she spoke about the significance of healthcare which encompasses reproductive services, including abortion. Harris highlighted the need for such healthcare to be provided with respect and dignity, acknowledging the clinic's contribution to services beyond abortions, such as treating fibroids and breast screenings.

Shapiro rebukes Planned Parenthood, insinuating that they misrepresent their service statistics by treating each service separately, which he alleges is done to underplay the percentage of services that are abortions. He argues that, contrary to their reporting, the majority of Planned Parenthood's procedures are abortions.

Transgender ideology policies, exploiting tragedy

Shapiro extends his criticism to the administration's approach to transgender policies, accusing them of attempting to instill the belief in children that they can choose their gender. He further discusses the case of Nex Benedict, a teen who died under circumstances tha ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Biden-Harris Administration Radicalism

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ben Shapiro criticizes the Biden-Harris administration for using taxpayer dollars to support abortion, arguing it imposes the administration's will on the public. He questions Planned Parenthood's reporting methods, suggesting they underplay the percentage of services that are abortions. Shapiro also condemns the administration's transgender policies, accusing them of promoting the belief that ...

Counterarguments

  • The Biden-Harris administration's support for abortion access is in line with the belief that women should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies and healthcare.
  • Taxpayer dollars are used for a variety of services that not all taxpayers may personally support, and funding for abortion can be seen as part of a broader healthcare policy.
  • Planned Parenthood provides a range of reproductive health services, and the organization states that abortions constitute a small percentage of the overall services they provide.
  • The administration's policies on transgender issues may be viewed as an effort to protect the rights and well-being of transgender individuals, rather than an attempt to instill any particular ideology.
  • The misreporting of Nex Benedict's death, if it occurred, ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Why I'm Giving Money To Donald Trump

Bipartisan Effort to Address TikTok Threat

Shapiro discusses the bipartisan movement in the United States to address the perceived threats posed by TikTok while clarifying misunderstandings about the approach being taken against the platform.

TikTok, the popular social media app, has surfaced as a significant point of contention in discussions about national security and foreign control. Shapiro notes that the measures being discussed do not constitute an outright ban but are aimed at requiring companies from adversaries such as China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea to divest their ownership to operate their social media entities in the U.S.

Shapiro details legislation that mandates foreign-controlled entities from the aforementioned countries must divest their foreign ownership to function in the U.S. social media sphere. Although TikTok has been cited for promoting pro-Hamas content, the bill under consideration would allow TikTok to continue operating if its Chinese stakeholders divest to non-adversarial owners.

Shapiro points out that TikTok has faced bans in several countries including China, Russia, and India over concerns ranging from protecting citizen data and privacy to preventing the dissemination of immoral content, as evidenced by intermittent bans in Pakistan.

In the United States, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order in 2020 banning TikTok on government devices citing concerns over data capture which could be exploited by the Chinese Communist Party and the app's use in disinformation campaigns. Similar steps have been taken in the European Union, with the European Commission and European Council banning TikTok from their official devices in 2023.

Despite bipartisan support, there is some opposition to the bill tackling the TikTok issue. Shapiro mentions that Jeff Yass, a major investor in TikTok, has opposed the bill and supported politicians like Rand Paul, who are against the ban. Shapiro counters a conspiracy theory alleging Jewish control behind the bill by highlig ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Bipartisan Effort to Address TikTok Threat

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • TikTok has faced bans in countries like China, Russia, and India due to concerns about data privacy, immoral content, and national security. These bans were implemented to address issues such as protecting citizen data, preventing the spread of harmful content, and addressing national security risks associated with the app. The bans in different countries reflect varying concerns and regulatory approaches towards social media platforms like TikTok. The reasons for the bans include safeguarding user data, maintaining national security, and addressing content-related issues specific to each country's regulatory environment.
  • Jeff Yass, a major investor in TikTok, opposes the bill aimed at requiring foreign-controlled entities to divest their ownership to operate in the U.S. social media sphere. Yass's opposition aligns with his support for politicians like Rand Paul, who are against the ban on TikTok. Despite his Jewish background, Yass's stance contradicts a conspiracy theory alleging Jewish influence behind the bill. Yass's opposition to the bill is based on his disagreement with the approach taken to address the TikTok issue.
  • Allegations of Jewish control behind the bill are refuted by highlighting that a major investor in TikTok, Jeff Yass, who is Jewish and pro-Israel, actually opposes the bill. This clarification aims to dispel conspiracy theories suggesting Jewish influence in the bipartisan effort to address TikTok-related concerns. The focus is on countering China's use of TikTok for psychological operations and data gathering against the U.S., rather than any religious or ethnic motivations. The mention of Jew ...

Counterarguments

  • The divestment requirement could be seen as an infringement on free market principles and international business rights.
  • There may be concerns about the effectiveness of divestment in actually preventing foreign influence if operational control remains with entities that could still be influenced by adversarial governments.
  • The focus on TikTok might be disproportionate compared to other social media platforms that also collect vast amounts of user data.
  • The bans and legislative measures could be perceived as a form of censorship or a limitation on freedom of expression.
  • Some may argue that the security risks are overstated and that there are existing mechanisms to protect user data without the need for such drastic measures.
  • The divestment approach could potentially harm U.S. investors and companies that have stakes in TikTok or other affected platforms.
  • There might be concerns about the precedent this sets for international relations and how other countries might retaliate against U.S. companies.
  • The argument that China prefers to shut down TikTok rather than sell it could be interpreted in different ways, including a desire to protect domestic intellectual property and b ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free

Create Summaries for anything on the web

Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser

Shortform Extension CTA