Ep. 2376 - WTH?! McDonald’s Celebrates…Ramadan - The Ben Shapiro Show Recap
Podcast: The Ben Shapiro Show
Published: 2026-02-26
Duration: 1 hr 4 min
Guests: Wilfred Riley
Summary
Ben Shapiro critiques McDonald's controversial Ramadan ad campaign in Germany, explores the potential resurgence of DEI in the post-Trump era with Wilfred Riley, and analyzes the political fallout from the State of the Union address.
What Happened
McDonald's in Germany launched a contentious ad campaign aimed at Muslims observing Ramadan by removing food from billboards during fasting hours. This campaign, despite its attempt to be inclusive, faced criticism for potentially virtue signaling, especially since the food offered is not halal and the German Muslim population is only about 6.5%.
Wilfred Riley joins the discussion to talk about the potential resurgence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the U.S. He highlights the economic debates surrounding DEI, referencing a McKinsey report that suggests a correlation between DEI practices and profitability.
Riley also discusses his involvement with Unified Solutions America, a consulting firm aimed at removing DEI practices from companies, and his new series 'Black Lies Matter' on Daily Wire Plus. He questions the motives behind DEI initiatives, suggesting that they often serve financial interests rather than genuine inclusivity.
Ben Shapiro critiques the State of the Union address, describing it as a 'state of delusion' and noting how Democrats' reactions are being used in Republican campaign ads. He also addresses criticisms from figures like Ilhan Omar and Kamala Harris, who compared the address to a 'school show and tell.'
The episode touches on the ongoing issues with voter turnout in Texas, where Democratic primaries see higher participation compared to Republican ones. The competitive nature of Texas districts, such as the 23rd, is highlighted, along with scandals like that involving Representative Tony Gonzalez.
International tensions are discussed, including the U.S. demands on Iran regarding its nuclear facilities and the controversial speedboat incident involving Cuba. The episode questions the effectiveness of potential U.S. responses and the geopolitical stakes in the region.
Key Insights
- McDonald's Germany's Ramadan ad campaign removed food from billboards during fasting hours, but faced backlash for not offering halal options, sparking debate over virtue signaling since Muslims make up only 6.5% of the population.
- A McKinsey report suggests DEI practices are linked to profitability, yet Wilfred Riley's Unified Solutions America argues these initiatives often prioritize financial gain over true inclusivity.
- Ben Shapiro criticizes the State of the Union address as 'state of delusion', with Democrats' reactions being used in Republican ads, highlighting political tensions and media framing strategies.
- Texas continues to grapple with low voter turnout in Republican primaries compared to Democrats, particularly in competitive districts like the 23rd, revealing challenges in engaging Republican voters.
Key Questions Answered
What was McDonald's Ramadan ad campaign in Germany about?
McDonald's in Germany launched an ad campaign targeted at Muslims observing Ramadan by removing food from billboards during fasting hours. The campaign was criticized as the food was not halal, and it could be seen as virtue signaling given the small percentage of Muslims in Germany.
How is DEI perceived in the post-Trump era?
DEI is seen as potentially making a comeback, with debates about its economic impact. A McKinsey report suggests DEI could correlate with profitability, but critics like Wilfred Riley argue that it often serves financial interests rather than genuine inclusivity.
What were the criticisms of Trump's State of the Union address?
Democrats criticized the State of the Union address, with Chuck Schumer calling it a 'state of delusion' and Kamala Harris comparing it to a 'school show and tell.' These reactions are being used in Republican campaign ads.