Table of contents
• Meeting Pope Leo XIII: A Moment of Reflection on Biblical Values • Immigration and American Values: Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Ilhan Omar • Matt Walsh's Supreme Court Victory • Middle East Update: President Trump’s Stance on Iran and IsraelMeeting Pope Leo XIII: A Moment of Reflection on Biblical Values
Shapiro begins by recounting his visit to the Vatican, where he witnessed the weekly general audience held by the Pope. Tens of thousands gather in St. Peter’s Square to hear the Pope’s address, which is delivered in multiple languages and centers on biblical teachings. Shapiro describes the event as a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of godly, biblical values on billions worldwide, emphasizing how these eternal principles can brighten a world often overshadowed by darkness.
The new Pope, Leo XIII, quoted the story of the pool of Bethesda from the Gospel of John, highlighting Jesus’s call for personal responsibility rather than fatalism. Shapiro, an Orthodox Jew, expressed admiration for the Pope’s message and the Catholic Church’s role as a cornerstone of Western civilization and biblical values. He also noted the importance of all people of faith—Catholics, Protestants, Jews—reconnecting with their traditions to strengthen the moral fabric of society.
During the audience, Shapiro had the rare opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIII personally. He presented the Pope with a unique gift: a 2005 Chicago White Sox World Series baseball signed by the entire team, a nod to their shared fandom. The Pope’s humble and joyful demeanor left a strong impression on Shapiro, who described him as reserved yet deeply committed to his office. Insights from the Hungarian ambassador to the Vatican further painted Pope Leo as a man who has subsumed his personality into his papal role, contrasting with the more jovial Pope Francis. Shapiro concluded that the Pope’s humility and joy are vital qualities for the Church’s future, especially amid contemporary challenges.
Immigration and American Values: Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Ilhan Omar
Shapiro then shifts to a discussion about immigration and American values, contrasting Arnold Schwarzenegger’s and Ilhan Omar’s approaches to the United States. Schwarzenegger, who immigrated legally in 1968, emphasized gratitude, assimilation, and giving back to the country. He spoke on “The View” about the importance of immigrants respecting American laws and contributing positively to their communities, a message that resonated with many but was met with attempts to silence him on the show.
In stark contrast, Ilhan Omar, who arrived as a refugee in 1995, has been vocal in her criticism of America, describing it as one of the worst countries on earth and expressing sympathy for Islamist terror groups. Shapiro highlights this as emblematic of a broader problem: a segment of immigrants who reject American values and seek to undermine the country from within. This divide is further exacerbated by political figures like New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who was recently arrested for obstructing immigration enforcement, and other Democrats engaging in performative acts to oppose immigration laws.
Shapiro critiques the Democratic Party’s embrace of radicalism, pointing to the rise of socialist candidates like Zoran Mamdani in New York City and the failed “No Kings” rallies. He warns that the erosion of a shared cultural baseline and respect for the rule of law threatens the cohesion of American civilization.
Matt Walsh's Supreme Court Victory
A major highlight of the episode is the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in "United States v. Scrimei", which upheld Tennessee’s law banning certain medical treatments—such as hormone therapy and surgeries—for transgender minors. This ruling is a significant win for Matt Walsh, a Daily Wire host and prominent critic of the transgender medical agenda, who has been actively involved in exposing harmful practices at institutions like Vanderbilt University.
Chief Justice Roberts authored the majority opinion, ruling that the law does not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment because it does not classify based on sex or transgender status. The Court held that the state has a legitimate interest in regulating healthcare for minors and that the law is rationally related to that interest.
Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Clarence Thomas wrote a concurrence emphasizing that transgender status does not constitute a protected class under constitutional law. They argued that transgender identity is mutable and not an immutable characteristic, and that courts should defer to legislative judgment on complex medical and social issues. Justice Alito also concurred, rejecting the idea that transgender status warrants heightened scrutiny.
Matt Walsh joined the show to celebrate the ruling as a victory for children’s rights and a rebuke to the radical trans movement. He urged Republicans to capitalize on this momentum by pushing for federal legislation banning such medical interventions nationwide, challenging Democrats to defend these practices publicly.
Middle East Update: President Trump’s Stance on Iran and Israel
Shapiro then turns to the latest developments in the Middle East, focusing on President Trump’s comments regarding Israel’s military actions against Iran’s nuclear program. Contrary to some narratives suggesting division within the Republican Party, polling data shows overwhelming support among Trump voters for Israel’s strikes and for preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. A majority also supports U.S. military assistance to Israel and direct action if necessary, though there is little appetite for full-scale nation-building in Iran.
President Trump’s approach is characterized by strategic ambiguity, signaling willingness to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities while leaving options open. He emphasizes that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, a position he has maintained for decades. Trump’s rhetoric, including telling the Iranian Supreme Leader “Good luck,” reflects his confidence and resolve.
Shapiro critiques left-wing figures who mock Trump’s stance and highlights the importance of credible deterrence in preventing nuclear proliferation. He also notes that the Biden administration’s reluctance to respond robustly to threats has emboldened adversaries like Russia and Iran.