The Charlie Kirk Show DEI On Steroids + Future of the Census
Jan 23, 2026
Ben Weingarten, a journalist and commentator known for his insights on federal contracting, reveals how the obscure 8(a) program has led to significant waste in DEI initiatives. He discusses eligibility and the fraud within the system. Ryan James Girdusky, a political analyst, dives into the implications of the 2030 Census, explaining how migration trends could alter the electoral landscape. He warns that these shifts may render traditional blue states less effective in elections, reshaping future political strategies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
8(a) Is DEI On Steroids
- The SBA's 8(a) program functions as "DEI on steroids," steering tens of billions in no-bid or limited-competition contracts to purportedly disadvantaged firms.
- Ben Weingarten argues the program is legally and practically vulnerable to fraud, pass-through fronts, and unlawful racial-presumption rules.
Presumption Turned Essay Workaround
- A rebuttable-presumption rule assumed minority status qualified firms, but courts struck it down as legally weak.
- The Biden administration substituted narratives (essays) as a workaround, spreading the model across other agencies.
Tens Of Billions Feed A Racket
- SBA awarded roughly $78 billion (12% of contract dollars) to disadvantaged firms in 2024, creating massive incentives for waste and legal avoidance.
- The ecosystem includes law firms, consultants, and front companies profiting from racial-preference contracting.