Trump Meets Biden At The White House!
Added: Nov 15, 2024
In this podcast episode, Ben Shapiro discusses the political developments following Donald Trump's decisive victory over Kamala Harris in the recent elections. Shapiro focuses on Trump's visit to Washington, D.C., where he was warmly received by House Republicans, reflecting on his influence in retaining the House majority.
Trump's Visit to the Capitol
During his visit, Trump attended a House GOP leadership forum, where he expressed his excitement about winning and the camaraderie he felt with his fellow Republicans. Shapiro notes the stark contrast between Trump's upbeat demeanor and the apparent discomfort of President Biden during their previous encounters. He humorously suggests that Biden's happiness stems from the defeat of Kamala Harris, with whom he has a complicated relationship. The meeting between Trump and Biden was characterized as cordial, with both leaders exchanging pleasantries and discussing national security and domestic policy issues.
Cabinet Appointments and Controversies
Following the meeting, Trump announced several key cabinet appointments, including Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Shapiro defends Rubio's nomination, arguing that his "peace through strength" doctrine aligns with Trump's foreign policy approach. He elaborates on the principles of the Trump Doctrine, emphasizing that American interests should come first and that military resources should be carefully calibrated to those interests.
Gabbard's appointment was met with mixed reactions due to her controversial views on foreign policy, particularly regarding the Assad regime and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Shapiro suggests that her experience with the intelligence community, including her own past targeting by it, makes her a fitting choice for the DNI role. He posits that her appointment could lead to a necessary overhaul of the intelligence agencies, which have faced scrutiny for their actions during Trump's first term.
However, the most contentious nomination is that of Matt Gaetz for Attorney General. Shapiro acknowledges Gaetz's polarizing reputation and ongoing investigations into his conduct, suggesting that his confirmation process will be fraught with challenges. Despite this, he argues that Gaetz's loyalty to Trump and his vocal opposition to the Department of Justice's actions against Trump made him a strategic pick.
The Political Landscape and Democratic Struggles
Shapiro also discusses the broader implications of Trump's victory for the Republican Party and the challenges facing Democrats. He notes that many Democrats are grappling with the fallout from their identity politics approach, which may have contributed to their electoral losses. He cites a Politico article suggesting that Democrats might need to rethink their orientation around affinity group politics to regain voter trust.
In contrast, Shapiro highlights the positive sentiment among business leaders and global figures regarding Trump's return to power. He points out that consumer confidence is rising, and Bitcoin prices are surging, reflecting optimism about a pro-business administration. This sentiment is echoed in various sectors, with many expressing relief at the prospect of Trump's policies returning to the forefront.
NATO and Global Relations
The podcast also touches on international relations, particularly regarding NATO and Turkey's role within the alliance. Shapiro criticizes Turkey's recent actions under President Erdogan, questioning the rationale behind its continued membership in NATO given its increasingly adversarial stance toward Israel and the West. He emphasizes the need for a reevaluation of NATO's structure and purpose, especially in light of the shifting geopolitical landscape.
Shapiro concludes the episode by discussing the implications of Trump's cabinet picks for U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to China and the Middle East. He expresses confidence that Trump's nominees, including Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, will prioritize military effectiveness over political correctness, a sentiment he believes is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by adversaries like China.
