Trump Ends DEI, 1/6 Pardons Media Meltdown, and Bombshell New Blake Lively Video, with Nicole Shanahan and Sasha Stone | Ep. 988
Jan 22, 2025
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Nicole Shanahan, host of "Back To The People" and former RFK Jr. vice presidential candidate, shares her insights on Trump's recent executive orders, especially the end of DEI at federal agencies. She discusses its societal impact and the absurd criticisms surrounding RFK Jr. Sasha Stone, a cultural commentator and former Democrat, reflects on her shift to MAGA support and the media's reaction to Trump’s January 6 pardons. They also delve into the implications of AI advancements and the ongoing controversy in public health discussions.
Trump's recent executive orders dismantled federal DEI offices, signaling a shift towards merit-based hiring practices over diversity initiatives.
The podcast highlighted a cultural shift where former liberals, like the guests, now embrace conservative values in response to perceived far-left agendas.
Concerns were raised about the legal treatment of January 6 participants, suggesting a double standard compared to other protest-related legal outcomes.
Deep dives
Trump's Executive Actions
In the wake of President Trump's inauguration, he quickly initiated significant changes to federal policies. One notable action included the closure of all federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices, with all employees placed on paid leave. This was perceived as a move away from policies favoring diversity hires and a return to merit-based hiring practices, particularly within critical institutions like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Supporters viewed these executive actions as a restoration of common sense and a rejection of what they termed 'woke' policies.
Border Security Measures
Trump's administration also took immediate steps to address border security, a priority for many of his supporters. The border czar, Tom Homan, reported the apprehension of several illegal migrants previously convicted of crimes, indicating a crackdown on illegal immigration. Supporters felt this approach marked a return to law and order, contrasting sharply with previous administrations perceived as lenient on immigration issues. They emphasized the need for a secure border as essential for national safety.
Cultural Shift in America
The cultural atmosphere in America was discussed, highlighting a perceived shift away from liberal ideologies and a growing acceptance of conservative viewpoints, especially by former Democrats. Guests shared personal stories of evolving political beliefs, with many feeling disillusioned by the left’s far-left agenda. The discussions emphasized the power of social media and growing platforms where voices against cancel culture could be heard. This shift was seen as a rebellion against what they termed the 'woke mob', with growing support for Trump and his policies.
Criticism of DEI Policies
Critics of DEI initiatives argued that such policies often lead to incompetence rather than fostering genuine diversity and meritocracy. Discussants illustrated how DEI policies have impacted essential services like the Los Angeles Fire Department, claiming that performance has suffered as a result. The perspective provided suggested that a focus on merit-based evaluation would lead to improved outcomes across various sectors, including education and emergency services. The conversation underscored a belief that competition enhances institutional integrity, which has been compromised by a focus on diversity over competence.
AI and Technological Advancements
The episode also addressed a major announcement concerning a collaboration with Silicon Valley aimed at advancing AI technology in America. Trump proposed a significant investment in the Stargate project to ensure the U.S. maintains a competitive edge over China in AI development, which ties into broader themes of economic prosperity and national security. Discussions included potential applications of AI in healthcare, particularly concerning cancer treatment. However, caution was advised regarding the implementation and development of AI technologies, reflecting skepticism about their readiness for wide-scale use.
Reflections on January 6
The aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riots was a significant point of conversation, where opinions diverged on how individuals involved were treated by the legal system compared to those involved in protests during the summer of 2020. There was a strong sentiment that the handling of the January 6 participants represented a double standard, with harsher penalties compared to what BLM protesters faced. Supporters believed that such discrepancies in legal action reflected deeper societal biases against conservative citizens. The discussion called for a reevaluation of how justice is administered in politically charged situations.
Megyn Kelly is joined by Nicole Shanahan, "Back To The People" podcast host, to discuss the major executive orders Trump has signed in his first 48 hours, how he just ended DEI at federal agencies and universities, the challenges of implementation, liberals like Bill Maher calling out the ridiculous DEI focus and how it relates to the LA wildfires, how counterproductive DEI has proven to be, Trump’s major AI announcement, hundreds of billions being invested in the AI "infrastructure," the alarming discussion about AI and mRNA vaccines, the way some on the right and left are turning against RFK Jr. in absurd ways, and more. Then Sasha Stone, host of “Free Thinking Through the Fourth Turning,” joins to discuss her personal story of leaving the Democratic party, her full MAGA conversion, being canceled publicly last year and what happened with advertisers, the media meltdown over Trump’s January 6 pardons and executive actions within his first 48 hours in office, the truth about those who were arrested in relation to January 6, and more. Then Megyn details the latest video that adds new context to the legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
