Ep. 2295 - THE TRUMP EFFECT: How To Win A War

Summary of Ep. 2295 - THE TRUMP EFFECT: How To Win A War

by The Daily Wire

1h 6m•October 10, 2025
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Summary — Ep. 2295: THE TRUMP EFFECT: How To Win A War

Host: Ben Shapiro — The Daily Wire

Overview

Ben Shapiro discusses the Israeli cabinet's approval of a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release agreement (the "stage one" deal), credits President Trump (and Israeli leadership) for brokering it, argues that the West can win wars by applying decisive force and pressure, and criticizes the left and certain activists for silence or hypocrisy about the conflict. The episode also touches on broader regional shifts, U.S. political reactions, media coverage, and several domestic political stories.

Key points / Main takeaways

  • Israeli cabinet approved a stage-one ceasefire agreement negotiated with Hamas and mediated by Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, with U.S. involvement.

    • Stage one: Israeli pullback to a predefined line (not full withdrawal), 72-hour timeline for release of 20 living hostages and recovery of 28 deceased.
    • Agreement includes release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners/detainees; Israel to release some high‑security prisoners (≈250 life‑sentence inmates).
    • Israel retains security overwatch over much of Gaza; stage two (disarmament and transitional governance) remains unresolved.

  • Trump’s role:

    • Ben credits President Trump (and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner) with brokering the deal, using pressure and a mix of carrots and sticks to get Qatar and Turkey to push Hamas.
    • Trump is framed as applying “peace through strength” — openly supporting Israeli military operations, threatening further action (e.g., strikes on Iran/Hamas leadership), and providing security guarantees to regional actors.

  • Military and regional outcomes:

    • Shapiro argues that over two years Israel (with U.S. support) decimated Hamas leadership, weakened Hezbollah, degraded Iran’s nuclear program, and quieted Iranian proxies across the region — shifting the strategic balance in Israel’s favor.
    • This is presented as evidence that wars in the Middle East can be won when the U.S. backs decisive force.

  • Critique of activists and the Left:

    • Many prominent “anti‑genocide” activists, Democrats, and left-wing commentators who vocally opposed Israel’s actions have been largely silent or downplaying the ceasefire that halts hostilities and brings prisoners home.
    • Shapiro suggests this silence reveals that some activists were primarily interested in delegitimizing Israel (and promoting political narratives) rather than stopping human suffering.

  • Policy implications and cautions:

    • Shapiro warns Israel must reconsider hostage-exchange policies that repeatedly free large numbers of convicted terrorists in exchange for hostages.
    • Stage two (disarmament and a non-Hamas transitional government in Gaza) is essential but uncertain.

Notable quotes / insights

  • President Trump (as quoted in the episode): “More importantly, they're loving Israel again. Israel cannot fight the world, baby. They can't fight the world.”
  • Shapiro: “It is possible to win wars.” (Core thesis: victory requires decisive strategy, pressure, and willingness to use force.)
  • Shapiro characterization: The “conventional wisdom” that military action doesn’t guarantee Middle Eastern security is “stupid” and repeatedly disproven.

Topics discussed

  • Details of the Gaza ceasefire/hostage deal (terms, mediators, Israeli cabinet vote).
  • Role of President Trump, Jared Kushner, and U.S. diplomacy in brokering the deal.
  • Israeli military campaign outcomes over two years (Hamas leadership removal, Hezbollah, Iran, proxies, and disruption of nuclear progress).
  • Criticism of Western/leftist activists and media coverage (hypocrisy/silence).
  • Need to rethink hostage-release policy to avoid future prisoner mass releases.
  • Reactions from U.S. politicians across the spectrum (some Democrats praise, others silent/critical).
  • Broader geopolitical consequences: potential for a non-Hamas future in Gaza, renewed regional realignments (Abraham Accords prospects).
  • Domestic U.S. political items briefly covered: government shutdown, Letitia James indictment, Virginia gubernatorial race, media shifts (Barry Weiss at CBS), and cultural/political commentary.
  • Promotional plugs: Daily Wire Plus series premiere (USS Cole) and sponsor ads.

Action items / Recommendations (as presented or implied)

  • Monitor developments in stage two: whether Hamas disarms and whether a transitional, non-Hamas governance is implemented in Gaza.
  • Reevaluate hostage policy: Israel should develop alternatives to repeatedly releasing large numbers of convicted terrorists in exchange for hostages.
  • Watch for how regional players (Qatar, Turkey, Egypt) follow through on commitments and pressure Hamas.
  • For audiences: follow the hostage releases and humanitarian surge efforts; stay alert to whether the ceasefire holds and what conditions get enforced.
  • (Implied media/activist call) Scrutinize and question activist and media narratives — examine whether political motives influenced their prior positions.

Bottom line

Ben Shapiro frames the ceasefire and hostage-release agreement as a major diplomatic and military accomplishment made possible by decisive U.S. backing (under Trump) and effective Israeli military pressure. He argues this episode demonstrates that the West can win wars when it abandons conventional hesitations, applies force and pressure strategically, and insists on concrete, enforceable outcomes — while criticizing activists and parts of the media for hypocrisy or partisan reaction.