Remembering Pope Francis’ Life and Legacy, Reality of Trump’s Tariff Policies, and Media Lies, with Kevin O’Leary and David Zweig | Ep. 1053
Apr 21, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Kevin O’Leary, known as Mr. Wonderful from Shark Tank and a savvy investor, delves into the pitfalls of Trump’s tariff policies and their impact on American businesses. He highlights how China exploits these tariffs. Meanwhile, journalist David Zweig critiques the flawed school closures during COVID-19, exposing the misinformation that guided these decisions. He argues for a more evidence-based approach to public health. Together, they explore the pressing issues of legacy, leadership, and the media's role in shaping public perception.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, is remembered for his progressive approach to issues like climate change and migration.
The conclave process to elect a new pope after Francis' death is governed by strict rules and emphasizes traditional secrecy.
Kevin O’Leary discusses the impact of Trump's tariffs on American businesses and how China takes advantage of these policies.
David Zweig critiques the handling of child sheltering during Covid, pointing to data manipulation used for political ends.
Deep dives
Pope Francis's Passing
The announcement of Pope Francis's death at age 88 shocked many, especially given his recent appearances that suggested he was recovering from health issues. He had been hospitalized for chronic lung problems and double pneumonia before his passing. Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed the news, marking a significant moment for the Catholic Church as they mourn the loss of a figure who was a symbol of hope and change. Francis's health challenges were publicly known, but his eventual decline still caught many off-guard, particularly with the memories of his public engagements just days prior.
Pope's Influence on the Church
Pope Francis made history as the first pope from Latin America, bringing a fresh perspective to the Catholic Church after the resignation of Pope Benedict. His tenure was marked by a more progressive approach, focusing on global issues such as climate change and migration, which resonated with many churchgoers seeking reform. Nevertheless, he faced criticism for not changing longstanding doctrines on issues like celibacy and abortion. His leadership sparked contentious debates within and outside the church, leading to mixed receptions of his papacy among traditional and progressive factions alike.
Political Controversies
Pope Francis was not only a spiritual leader but also a political figure who confronted various world leaders, particularly concerning immigration policies. His critiques of President Trump's approaches to immigration highlighted a significant clash between conservative values in the U.S. and the pope's advocacy for compassion and support for vulnerable populations. This often placed the pope at odds with conservative factions within the American Catholic community, who felt his stances conflicted with national priorities. His public comments on these issues further polarized opinion, revealing deep divisions in how faith intersects with policy.
The Conclave Process
Following the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church prepares for a conclave to elect his successor, a process deeply steeped in tradition. This conclave typically begins within 15 to 20 days after a pope's passing, gathering 120 cardinals to deliberation in secret, away from outside influence or media scrutiny. Various rules tightly govern this process, where no communication is allowed with the outside world, emphasizing the solemnity and gravity of the papal election. Historical precedents will loom large as they navigate the complexities of selecting a new leader in a church marked by internal and external challenges.
Controversies in U.S. Immigration
The ongoing immigration debate in the U.S. has intensified under President Trump, with a significant majority of Americans expressing support for stricter policies, including deportation of all undocumented immigrants. Despite the administration's strong stance, actual deportation rates have fallen short, generating frustration among advocates for immigration reform. The interplay between law enforcement actions and local sanctuary policies complicates the deportation process, leading to accusations of obstruction by some cities. This stalemate highlights the complexities of immigration policy in America, particularly in response to public sentiments about safety and lawfulness.
The Role of Media and Public Perception
The response to immigration issues has been shaped significantly by media narratives that fluctuate based on political climates and public opinion. Critics argue that media outlets often present a one-sided view that aligns with prevailing political ideologies, affecting public perception and discourse. This dynamic has resulted in a polarized environment where individuals are either vilified or celebrated based on their immigration stances. It emphasizes the challenges faced in fostering constructive dialogue around immigration, particularly as societal values evolve in response to changing demographics and experiences.
Challenges Faced by Leadership
The losses faced by influential leaders like Pope Francis and the political ramifications of their decisions underscore the complex nature of leadership during tumultuous times. As political and societal pressures mount, leaders are often thrust into challenging positions that test their values and commitment. The necessity for leaders to navigate controversies while remaining true to their core principles creates a precarious balancing act. The legacy left behind by figures like Pope Francis will be scrutinized and debated as new successors take the helm in hopes of addressing ongoing challenges facing both the church and society at large.
Megyn Kelly begins the show by discussing Pope Francis’ death at 88 after a recent battle with double pneumonia, his legacy as leader of the Catholic Church, his progressive ideology and messaging, the process of the conclave in selecting a new pope, and more. Plus, Kevin O’Leary, chairman of O’Leary Ventures & Beanstox, joins to discuss SCOTUS pausing deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, the breakdown of what is actually happening under Trump with tariffs and why China is taking advantage of American businesses, the reality of Donald Trump’s tariff policies, why China is taking advantage of American businesses and stealing IP, and more. Then, David Zweig, journalist and author of “An Abundance of Caution,” joins to talk about the ridiculous sheltering of children during Covid, schools remaining closed while restaurants and stores were up and running, the potentially made-up data out of the CDC used as political propaganda, and more.
