Ep. 2373 - ‘MURICA!: US Hockey Team WINS IT ALL! - The Ben Shapiro Show Recap
Podcast: The Ben Shapiro Show
Published: 2026-02-23
Duration: 1 hr 0 min
Guests: Eli Lake
Summary
The U.S. men's hockey team won the Olympic gold medal for the first time in 46 years, defeating Canada with an overtime goal by Jack Hughes. The episode also covers a thwarted assassination attempt on President Trump and Tucker Carlson's controversial comments regarding Israel.
What Happened
The American men's hockey team claimed Olympic gold for the first time in 46 years, defeating Canada in a thrilling overtime victory. Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal in sudden death, while goaltender Connor Hellebuck, the reigning NHL MVP, was lauded for his extraordinary saves. This significant win was celebrated nationwide, with President Trump personally congratulating the team for their achievement.
In political news, an assassination attempt against President Trump was thwarted by the Secret Service. The would-be shooter was reportedly obsessed with conspiracy theories related to Jeffrey Epstein. This incident underscores ongoing security challenges faced by public figures in the current political climate.
The episode also discussed the killing of Nemesio Mencho Oceguera, a notorious drug kingpin and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, by Mexico's military. Oceguera was a former Mexican police officer with a $15 million U.S. bounty on his head, highlighting the ongoing war on drugs and international cooperation in law enforcement.
Economically, President Trump criticized a Supreme Court decision regarding the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEPA) to impose tariffs. The ruling, which involved Justices Kavanaugh, Alito, and Thomas dissenting, maintained that tariff powers reside with the legislative branch, not the president.
Tucker Carlson faced backlash for making unsubstantiated claims about Israeli policies and President Isaac Herzog's alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Carlson's comments strained relations with the White House and have been disputed by multiple sources, including Ariel Sharon's historical advice against the Iraq War.
The episode touched upon America's significant trade and balance of payments deficits, with a $57 billion gap representing 0.2% of GDP. The discussion included the implications of these deficits on the economy and trade policies, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a stable economic balance.
Finally, Ben Shapiro criticized public figures like AOC for incorrect statements about snow melting, and Gavin Newsom for controversial remarks about his SAT scores. These instances were used to illustrate broader themes of misinformation and political rhetoric.
Key Insights
- The American men's hockey team broke a 46-year dry spell by clinching Olympic gold, with Jack Hughes scoring the decisive goal in a sudden death victory over Canada. The win was a national celebration, even drawing personal congratulations from President Trump.
- An assassination attempt on President Trump was thwarted, revealing the assailant's obsession with conspiracy theories about Jeffrey Epstein. This incident highlights the persistent security risks faced by public figures in today's political climate.
- Mexico's military took down Nemesio Mencho Oceguera, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, ending the reign of a former police officer who had a $15 million U.S. bounty. This underscores the intense international cooperation in tackling the drug trade.
- The Supreme Court ruled against President Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs, reinforcing that tariff powers rest with Congress. The decision, despite dissent from Justices Kavanaugh, Alito, and Thomas, limits presidential authority in economic matters.
Key Questions Answered
What happened to the US men's hockey team at the Olympics?
The US men's hockey team won the gold medal at the Olympics, defeating Canada in sudden death overtime. This victory marked their first Olympic gold in 46 years, with Jack Hughes scoring the game-winning goal.
Who was Nemesio Mencho Oceguera and what happened to him?
Nemesio Mencho Oceguera was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and a former Mexican police officer. He was killed by Mexico's military, ending his notorious criminal career which included a $15 million U.S. bounty.
What were Tucker Carlson's controversial comments about Israel?
Tucker Carlson falsely implied that Israeli President Isaac Herzog was linked to Jeffrey Epstein and criticized Israeli policies. These claims were widely disputed and strained Carlson's relations with the White House.