Should Trump Let LA BURN? Plus FAKE GAVIN And Part II With Orban!

The Crisis in Los Angeles and Gavin Newsom’s Role

Shapiro opens the episode by addressing the recent riots and unrest in Los Angeles, sparked by federal immigration enforcement actions. He critiques California Governor Gavin Newsom, labeling him as the "fake" or ineffective leader of the resistance against federal authority. Shapiro, a former lifelong resident of Los Angeles who relocated his family and business out of the state, paints a grim picture of California’s governance under Newsom, highlighting the mass exodus of residents and businesses due to poor management.

Newsom’s dramatic speeches, including one on Independence Day marred by technical difficulties, are portrayed as overblown and disconnected from reality. Shapiro emphasizes that the federal government, under President Trump, deployed National Guard troops and Marines to support ICE agents conducting immigration raids, actions Newsom and other Democrats have framed as authoritarian overreach. However, Shapiro argues that these federal actions are legally justified and necessary to restore order amid the riots.

The episode critiques the contradictory narratives from Democrats and local officials. Initially, some media and politicians denied the existence of riots, then framed them as either positive resistance or as a consequence of Trump’s policies. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s declaration of a curfew in downtown LA, an area heavily affected by vandalism and looting, contradicts earlier claims minimizing the unrest. Shapiro points out the irony of the city’s police force being understaffed and often instructed to stand down, exacerbating the lawlessness.

Shapiro also highlights the extensive graffiti and damage in downtown LA, which threatens the city’s ability to host major events like the upcoming World Cup. Despite these challenges, the media narrative tends to elevate local Democratic leaders as heroes for opposing Trump’s federal intervention, a portrayal Shapiro finds absurd given the deteriorating conditions.

The Political Battle Over Immigration Enforcement

The podcast delves into the broader political conflict over immigration enforcement in California. Shapiro presents data showing that Los Angeles and California have large undocumented immigrant populations, with estimates ranging from 1.8 to 2.6 million illegal immigrants statewide. He explains that California’s sanctuary policies, such as SB54 and the Trust Act, severely limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, effectively protecting undocumented immigrants from deportation.

Democratic politicians, including Senator Adam Schiff, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Representatives Nancy Pelosi, Maxine Waters, and Judy Chu, are criticized for blaming President Trump for the unrest and portraying ICE’s actions as provocative and authoritarian. Shapiro contrasts this with the Trump administration’s stance that enforcing immigration laws is a legitimate federal responsibility, especially targeting criminal illegal immigrants.

Polling data is discussed to illustrate public opinion on immigration enforcement. While a minority of Americans support deporting all illegal immigrants, a majority favor deporting those who commit crimes, especially violent ones. Shapiro argues that Democrats have failed strategically by refusing to acknowledge this nuance, instead adopting an all-or-nothing stance that alienates many voters.

Should Trump Let LA Burn?

One of the episode’s most provocative arguments is Shapiro’s suggestion that President Trump might consider “letting LA burn” in the long term. He reasons that California voters have repeatedly elected politicians who support sanctuary policies and lax law enforcement, effectively choosing the current state of affairs. Therefore, the federal government should respect state sovereignty and allow California to face the consequences of its political choices.

Shapiro contends that continued federal intervention only delays the inevitable reckoning and that the resulting outmigration of taxpayers and businesses will eventually force political change. He points to Republican governors in other states who have used immigration enforcement as a political tool to push illegal immigrants toward blue states like California and New York, thereby exposing the contradictions in Democratic policies.

This approach, Shapiro argues, aligns with principles of federalism and accountability. If Californians want sanctuary policies and the social and economic consequences that come with them, they should bear the costs. Meanwhile, states that enforce immigration laws and maintain order will thrive, creating a natural political and demographic sorting.

Part II Interview with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán

The episode transitions to the second part of an interview with Viktor Orbán, a figure admired by many conservatives for his nationalist and traditionalist policies. Orbán discusses the importance of national sovereignty, emphasizing Hungary’s historical struggles to maintain independence amid foreign invasions. He outlines his government’s efforts to ensure national control over key economic sectors such as banking, energy, media, and telecommunications, while still welcoming foreign investment.

Orbán highlights Hungary’s demographic challenges, including low birth rates and opposition to migration, and explains his government’s robust family support policies designed to encourage higher birth rates. These include tax incentives, extended maternity leave, and social programs aimed at making it easier for families to have children. He stresses that family is the fundamental building block of the nation, followed by the nation itself and Christianity.

The prime minister elaborates on the role of Christianity in Hungarian identity, noting that the church has historically been crucial in preserving the nation’s culture and sovereignty. Unlike the secularist trends in much of Europe, Hungary actively supports church-run institutions such as schools and hospitals, viewing them as more effective than state-run counterparts.

Orbán also reflects on his relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, praising Trump’s role in the broader cultural and political struggle for the “soul of the West.” He frames this as a battle between conservative, Christian, nationalist values and liberal, progressive secularism. Orbán sees Trump’s victories as a source of hope for like-minded leaders in Europe and the West.

On foreign policy, Orbán acknowledges the complexities of a multipolar world with rising powers like China and Russia. He advocates for pragmatic diplomacy, maintaining NATO loyalty for security while welcoming economic investment from both Western and Eastern partners. He calls for stronger U.S.-Hungarian relations, noting areas where cooperation has been hindered under the Biden administration.

Additional Topics: Inflation, Trade, and Media

The podcast briefly touches on the latest inflation data, noting that consumer prices continue to rise but at a slower pace. The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady amid ongoing trade tensions. President Trump’s recent trade deal with China is discussed, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties surrounding tariffs and economic relations.