Trump’s Saudi TRIUMPH

A Warm Welcome in Saudi Arabia

President Trump’s arrival in Riyadh was marked by a warm reception from Muhammad bin Salman, signaling a strong partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Shapiro notes that Muhammad bin Salman has shifted the kingdom's focus from a strict Wahhabi interpretation of Islam towards modernization and a more pro-Western stance. This transformation is crucial for the stability of the region and has implications for Trump's foreign policy achievements, particularly the Abraham Accords, which aimed to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

Shapiro argues that Trump's relationship with Saudi Arabia is rooted in a pragmatic understanding of the region, contrasting sharply with President Biden's approach, which has been characterized by criticism of the Saudi regime and attempts to prioritize human rights over strategic interests. Shapiro points out that Biden's policies have alienated key allies in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, which has historically been a crucial partner for the U.S.

The Dangers of Idealism in Foreign Policy

Shapiro critiques the Obama and Biden administrations for their idealistic approach to foreign policy, which often prioritized democracy and human rights over American interests. He argues that this has led to significant missteps, including the Arab Spring, which resulted in chaos rather than the intended democratization. In contrast, Trump’s realism acknowledges that different nations have different governance styles and that U.S. interests must come first.

During his speech in Saudi Arabia, Trump emphasized the need for stability and prosperity in the region, rejecting the notion that Western interventionism is the solution to Middle Eastern conflicts. Shapiro highlights Trump's assertion that the region's transformation must come from its own people rather than external forces, a sentiment that resonates with many in the Middle East who are wary of foreign intervention.

Commerce Over Chaos

A central theme of Trump's visit was the idea that commerce can lead to peace and stability in the Middle East. Shapiro discusses Trump's vision of a future where the region is defined by economic cooperation rather than conflict. He argues that Trump's focus on trade and business deals, including a significant arms deal with Saudi Arabia, is a more effective strategy than the interventionist policies of previous administrations.

Shapiro expresses concern, however, that while Trump is promoting commerce, there must be conditions attached to U.S. support for countries like Saudi Arabia and Syria. He warns against the dangers of providing benefits without ensuring that these nations take steps toward greater integration with the West and a reduction in support for terrorism.

The Complexities of U.S.-Qatar Relations

As Trump moved on to Qatar, Shapiro addresses the complexities of U.S. relations with the Gulf state, which has been criticized for its support of terrorism. He argues that the U.S. should not engage in a cozy relationship with Qatar without addressing its problematic behavior. Shapiro suggests that the U.S. should leverage its military presence in the region to demand that Qatar cease its support for groups like Hamas.

Shapiro also highlights the significant financial influence Qatar has in the U.S., noting its extensive lobbying efforts and investments in American institutions. He warns that this influence can complicate U.S. foreign policy and calls for a more cautious approach to dealings with Qatar.

The State of the Economy and Pharmaceutical Pricing

Shapiro shifts the discussion to domestic issues, particularly the economy and pharmaceutical pricing. He critiques Trump's recent executive order aimed at lowering drug prices through a "most favored nation" status for Medicaid, arguing that this approach could stifle innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. Shapiro emphasizes that while the intention to lower prices is commendable, the method of imposing price controls could lead to fewer drugs being developed and available in the U.S.

He advocates for a more comprehensive approach to healthcare reform that includes regulatory changes to the FDA and tort reform to reduce the costs associated with drug development. Shapiro believes that addressing these underlying issues is essential for creating a sustainable healthcare system that benefits consumers without compromising innovation.

The Implications of Biden's Health

In a segment discussing the revelations from the book "Original Sin" by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, Shapiro reflects on the implications of President Biden's declining health. He notes that the book reveals the extent to which Biden's aides were concerned about his cognitive abilities and the lengths they went to shield him from public scrutiny. Shapiro argues that this lack of transparency is detrimental to the Democratic Party and raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process.

Shapiro concludes that the media's failure to adequately cover Biden's health issues has damaged its credibility and that the revelations in the book serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability in politics. He emphasizes that the American public deserves to know the truth about their leaders, particularly when it comes to their fitness for office.