Dems LIE, Blame Trump For Storm Deaths…PLUS, Illegal Immigrant “Superman”!

In this podcast episode, Ben Shapiro delivers commentary on several pressing political and cultural issues, beginning with the tragic flash floods in Texas and the ensuing media narrative, moving through Hollywood’s politicization of iconic characters like Superman, and concluding with a critical look at the controversial figure Zoran Mamani, a socialist mayoral candidate in New York City.

Texas Flash Flood Tragedy and Media Misinformation

The podcast opens with a somber reflection on the devastating flash floods that struck Texas’s Hill Country, particularly Kerr County, resulting in at least 100 deaths, including many children. Shapiro highlights the rapid rise of the Yano River—26 feet in just 45 minutes during the night—emphasizing the natural and sudden nature of the disaster. He praises the efforts of first responders, including the Coast Guard, and notes President Trump’s swift action in signing a major disaster declaration to aid recovery efforts.

However, Shapiro sharply criticizes the mainstream media’s immediate politicization of the tragedy, accusing them of falsely blaming the Trump administration for the disaster. He points out a consistent pattern where Republican presidents are blamed for natural disasters, while Democratic leaders are often spared such scrutiny. For example, during California wildfires and the Lahaina fires in Hawaii, blame was appropriately placed on local and state officials rather than the federal government.

Shapiro dissects the media’s narrative that cuts to the National Weather Service (NWS) under Trump led to inadequate warnings, calling this claim “absurd.” He cites meteorologists and official data showing that the NWS accurately forecasted the flood risks well in advance, issuing flood watches and warnings with ample lead time. The problem, he explains, was the unprecedented speed and volume of rainfall, which overwhelmed even the best forecasting efforts. The Department of Homeland Security and the NWS themselves have refuted claims of staffing shortages or failures, confirming that the agency was well-staffed and performed its duties effectively.

Shapiro condemns figures like Al Sharpton and Rosie O’Donnell for spreading misinformation that Trump’s budget cuts endangered lives, framing it as a politically motivated attack rather than a fact-based critique. He underscores that natural disasters are inherently unpredictable and that not every tragedy is preventable, urging listeners to recognize the difference between genuine accountability and partisan blame-shifting.

Superman Goes “Woke” and Hollywood’s Anti-Americanism

Shifting to lighter but culturally significant news, Shapiro discusses the upcoming Superman movie directed by James Gunn. He expresses skepticism about Gunn’s approach, criticizing the director for politicizing the character by framing Superman as an immigrant symbol and emphasizing “basic human kindness” as a lost American value. Shapiro argues that this interpretation dilutes Superman’s original identity as a symbol of traditional American values—truth, justice, and the American way—and reflects Hollywood’s broader left-wing agenda to undermine patriotic themes.

He contrasts this with the original Superman mythos, which centers on an alien immigrant assimilating into Midwestern American values and fighting for justice in a cynical urban environment. Shapiro laments Hollywood’s refusal to embrace the character’s American roots, noting that recent portrayals avoid explicitly referencing “the American way” due to ideological discomfort with celebrating America’s uniqueness. He sees this as emblematic of the cultural left’s deep-seated anti-Americanism.

Zoran Mamani: The Socialist Candidate and Identity Politics

The podcast then turns to a critical examination of Zoran Mamani, a socialist candidate for New York City mayor. Shapiro exposes Mamani’s controversial past, including his admission that he falsely identified as Black or African American on his college applications to gain racial diversity advantages. He compares this to Elizabeth Warren’s infamous claims of Native American heritage, framing Mamani’s actions as a deliberate attempt to game affirmative action policies.

Shapiro highlights Mamani’s family background, noting that his parents are Indian immigrants who have benefited immensely from American opportunities—his father is a Columbia University professor, and his mother is a Hollywood director—yet they openly express disdain for the country. He cites Mamani’s father’s radical critiques of America as a “settler colonialist” nation and his absurd claim that Abraham Lincoln’s policies inspired Hitler’s genocide, illustrating the family’s deep ideological hostility toward American history and values.

Shapiro argues that Mamani’s narrative fits into a broader left-wing victimhood culture that rewards claims of oppression regardless of factual accuracy or personal history. He criticizes the media’s reluctance to hold Mamani accountable and their framing of the story as a politically motivated “hit job,” emphasizing that the truth about Mamani’s racial misrepresentation is relevant and newsworthy.

Jeffrey Epstein Investigation Update

Shapiro addresses the long-standing conspiracy theories surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s death and alleged blackmail operations. He acknowledges the initial skepticism about Epstein’s suicide but reports on recent official findings from the Department of Justice and FBI, which concluded there is no credible evidence that Epstein was murdered, kept a client list, or blackmailed powerful figures.

He stresses the importance of distinguishing speculation from verified facts and urges those who continue to promote conspiracy theories to provide evidence rather than rely on unfalsifiable claims. Shapiro notes that while questions remain about Epstein’s financial dealings, the official investigations have been thorough and transparent, debunking many popular rumors.

The “Big Beautiful Bill” and Political Fallout

Turning to domestic politics, Shapiro discusses the recent passage of a major budget bill, dubbed the “big beautiful bill,” shepherded through Congress by Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. He praises their leadership in navigating a narrow Republican majority to enact significant legislation.

Shapiro highlights key provisions, including work requirements for Medicaid recipients, which mandate at least 20 hours of work per week for able-bodied adults without young children. He explains that these reforms aim to refocus Medicaid on vulnerable populations and reduce exploitation of the system. He also clarifies misconceptions about cuts to so-called “provider taxes,” which were mechanisms states used to leverage federal funds without contributing their own resources.

The episode covers Democratic opposition, including emotional speeches and exaggerated claims that the bill will cause widespread death and suffering. Shapiro dismisses these as hyperbolic and disconnected from reality, pointing out that the bill’s reforms are reasonable and reflect public sentiment favoring personal responsibility.

Elon Musk’s New Political Party and Trump’s Response

Shapiro touches on Elon Musk’s announcement of a new political entity, the “America Party,” aimed at breaking the two-party system and promoting fiscal conservatism and freedom. While acknowledging the potential appeal of a third party, Shapiro relays President Trump’s criticism, who views third parties as disruptive and unlikely to succeed in the American political landscape.

Shapiro speculates that Musk’s party may draw more from disaffected Democrats than Republicans, given its libertarian-leaning platform, and notes the challenges of carving out a new political space in a deeply entrenched two-party system.

Argentina’s Economic Turnaround Under Javier Milei

In an international economic update, Shapiro praises Argentine President Javier Milei’s fiscal conservatism, which has led to impressive economic growth and a significant reduction in hyperinflation. He contrasts Milei’s success with decades of failed statist policies, suggesting that responsible economic management can revive even severely damaged economies.

Shapiro sees Milei’s approach as a model for future American fiscal reform, emphasizing the necessity of spending restraint and market-oriented policies to avoid economic collapse.

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