Friendly Fire: Gavin for President, Greenland for Sale - The Ben Shapiro Show Recap

Podcast: The Ben Shapiro Show

Published: 2026-01-16

Duration: 1 hr 8 min

Guests: Matt Walsh, Andrew Klavan

Summary

Ben Shapiro analyzes Gavin Newsom's potential as a presidential candidate while exploring his political strategies and controversies. The episode also delves into the U.S. interest in acquiring Greenland, highlighting its strategic and resource advantages.

What Happened

The episode opens with Ben Shapiro discussing Gavin Newsom's political maneuvers, particularly his ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences, including appearances on platforms like Joe Rogan's podcast. Shapiro critiques Newsom's leadership in California, noting his tendency to shift blame for policy failures while taking credit for successes. The discussion highlights Newsom's recent attempts to moderate his public image, especially concerning controversial issues like ICE and transgender rights.

Gavin Newsom's prospects for a presidential run are debated, with Kalshi prediction markets positioning him as a frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic nomination. Despite this, Shapiro expresses skepticism about Newsom's viability as a candidate due to policy failures in areas like homelessness and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation also touches on Newsom's potential to expand his coalition in a general election, especially among Hispanic voters.

The episode shifts to the topic of Donald Trump's coalition, which is described as a unique assembly of blue-collar workers, Hispanics, and younger voters. Shapiro suggests that J.D. Vance might struggle to maintain or expand this coalition due to his heavy online presence. The discussion also covers the intrinsic link between MAGA and Trump, arguing that separating the two is ineffective.

Attention then turns to the U.S. interest in Greenland, a resource-rich territory controlled by Denmark. Shapiro explains that the U.S. has long sought to acquire Greenland, with attempts dating back to the 19th century. He highlights the strategic benefits of acquiring Greenland, including expanding U.S. territory by 22% and enhancing military capabilities due to existing treaties with Denmark.

The episode discusses NATO's role as a Cold War-era organization designed to protect the American Empire from the Soviet Union. Shapiro emphasizes that acquiring Greenland could bolster U.S. defense strategies, particularly in the context of global geopolitical tensions.

Finally, the episode briefly revisits the notion of slavery, with Matt Walsh's upcoming series 'Real History' on Daily Wire Plus aiming to address historical misconceptions. Shapiro highlights the British role in abolishing slavery and discusses the ongoing existence of slavery in the Middle East, stressing the importance of acknowledging these historical and contemporary realities.

Key Insights