Overview of Ep. 2351 - Trump Prepares To Drop Davos BOMBS
This episode (The Daily Wire) reviews President Trump’s first year of his second term, his Davos trip and the administration’s emerging geopolitical/economic posture, the Greenland/tariff controversy and market reaction, aggressive immigration enforcement (ICE raids) and the political fallout, plus related Davos speeches and a feature interview about The 1916 Project documentary (Planned Parenthood history). The host evaluates wins the administration claims, tensions within the U.S. delegation’s message at Davos, and how allies and middle powers are reacting.
Key points and main takeaways
- Trump’s first year (second-term): White House framed it as “365 wins” — economic indicators highlighted (record stock levels, strong GDP quarters, lower inflation claims), border enforcement wins (reduced net migration), interior ICE activations, and policy rollbacks (federal DEI). Host credits many of these as real accomplishments but notes public approval is weak (RCP avg ~42.5% approve / ~56% disapprove).
- Mixed administration messaging at Davos: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick attacked globalization ("Globalization has failed the West"), while Treasury official Scott Bessant urged Europeans not to overreact and pushed them away from Russian oil. This indicates internal variations in strategy: America-first/reshoring rhetoric vs. pragmatic coalition-building.
- Greenland controversy: Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland (and threats of tariffs on European countries opposing U.S. moves) has created diplomatic blowback, polling effects in Denmark, market volatility (Dow fell ~871 points at one point), and fears Europe will pivot away from the U.S. in trade/security alignments. Calci markets placed nontrivial odds on Trump buying part of Greenland before 2029.
- Trade and multipolar shift: Davos conversations and high-level speeches (Mark Carney, Emmanuel Macron, EU officials) reveal a push by some middle powers and Europe toward independent deals (e.g., an EU–India deal) and a distancing from an exclusively U.S.-led “rules-based” order.
- Tariffs-as-strategy: Wall Street Journal noted Trump’s threat to use tariffs against allies for strategic goals would be unprecedented — reframing economic leverage as a substitute for or complement to military power.
- Immigration enforcement and legal/political pushback: Federal grand jury subpoenas served to Minnesota officials over possible obstruction during ICE operations. The administration showcased mugshots from arrests (emphasis on criminal illegal aliens). Protests, church takeovers, allegations of foreign-funded activism (People’s Forum — alleged CCP funding via Neville Roy Singham) and Democratic calls to abolish ICE have intensified polarization and legal/political battles.
- Domestic political responses: Gavin Newsom planned to criticize Trump at Davos; Democrats at times pushed abolitionist rhetoric on ICE and drew criticism from moderates; Minnesota officials pushed back against subpoenas.
- Cultural/issue segment: Interview with Seth Gruber about The 1916 Project documentary, which argues Planned Parenthood’s origins are tied to eugenics and includes archival claims linking founding figures to extremist ideologies (e.g., Lothrop Stoddard’s ties to KKK/Nazi reception). The film is promoted on DailyWire+ and tied to pro-life organizing.
Topics discussed
- Trump’s one-year accomplishments and public messaging (book of wins, press conference highlights)
- Polling trends and political risks for the administration
- America First vs. globalization debate at Davos; statements by Howard Lutnick, Scott Bessant, Mark Carney, Emmanuel Macron
- Greenland: rationale, strategic claims, tariff threats, diplomatic consequences
- Financial-market reaction to tariff threats and trade friction
- EU–India prospective trade deal and European reorientation
- ICE operations, Minnesota subpoenas, and the optics/politics of interior enforcement
- Protest movements, alleged foreign funding of activism (People’s Forum), church takeovers
- Democratic talking points (abolish ICE) and intra-party tensions
- Interview segment: The 1916 Project (Planned Parenthood origins), pro-life activism and upcoming events (Life or Death Conference, March for Life)
Notable quotes & insights
- President Trump: “I think God is very proud of the job I’ve done.” (on his first-year record)
- Howard Lutnick (Commerce): “Globalization has failed the West and the United States of America.” (arguing for worker-first/reshoring policies)
- George H.W. Bush (1990 excerpt used to frame debate): “A new world order can emerge... a world in which the rule of law supplants the rule of the jungle.”
- Wall Street Journal framing: Using tariffs “against an ally for a strategic as opposed to a domestic goal” would be unprecedented.
- Mark Carney (Davos paraphrase of Václav Havel idea): It’s “time for companies and countries to take their signs down” — urging middle powers to pursue independent cooperation.
Evidence & facts cited in the episode
- RealClearPolitics averages cited: approval ~42.5%, disapproval ~56% (host’s summary).
- Market drop referenced: Dow industrials lost ~871 points on trade/tariff escalation news.
- Calci market odds: ~43% chance Trump buys at least part of Greenland by Jan 20, 2029; ~29% chance by 2027.
- Minnesota: federal grand jury subpoenas issued to governor, AG, mayors, and county officials in relation to alleged obstruction of ICE operations (per Associated Press reporting referenced).
Tensions and risks highlighted
- Diplomatic fallout: Greenland/tariff rhetoric risks alienating European allies and accelerating a reorientation toward alternative partnerships (EU–India, closer Europe–China ties).
- Mixed internal messaging: Divergent statements from administration officials create uncertainty about long-term U.S. strategy (protectionist/resurgent sovereignty vs. coalition diplomacy).
- Political optics: ICE raids and aggressive enforcement have strong political and media optics — could energize opponents and complicate Hispanic outreach despite administration claims of outreach to Hispanic voters.
- Market risk: Tariff threats against allies increase economic volatility and may harm U.S. markets and consumers.
- Domestic political costs: Subpoenas and protests could escalate into legal fights and electoral liabilities for local Democrats; abolitionist rhetoric risks alienating moderate voters.
Actionable takeaways (for listeners who want to follow or act)
- Expect further coverage and a breakdown of Trump’s Davos speech and subsequent administration positions on the next episode(s).
- Watch for immediate market and diplomatic developments tied to the Greenland/tariff story — tariff announcements, EU reactions, and any formal proposals or negotiations.
- If you’re tracking immigration enforcement coverage: monitor legal filings, subpoena disclosures, and local official responses in Minnesota and other targeted states.
- For viewers interested in the Planned Parenthood history angle: the episode recommends The 1916 Project on DailyWire+ and upcoming pro-life events (Life or Death Conference).
Sponsors & promos mentioned
- Wild Alaskan Company — direct-to-consumer wild-caught seafood promo (discount code/URL).
- PrizePix — daily fantasy sports app promo.
- Shopify — $1 trial promo and entrepreneurship pitch (shopify.com/shapiro).
- DailyWire+: Pendragon Cycle (Rise of the Merlin) premiere, 35% off annual membership, Pendragon Pass and Pendragon collectible incentives, The 1916 Project documentary availability.
Bottom line
The episode argues that the Trump administration is claiming a record of tangible wins but faces significant political headwinds from low approval ratings and international backlash stemming largely from an assertive, at-times unilateral approach (Greenland/tariffs). Davos has become a focal point demonstrating fractures among allies and within U.S. messaging — raising questions about whether the world will move to a multipolar, middle-power–led order or a retooled U.S.-led, America-first posture. Domestically, aggressive immigration enforcement is politically consequential and fueling intense debate and legal scrutiny. The show also spotlights cultural and historical content (The 1916 Project) aimed at energizing the pro-life constituency.