Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas, known for his staunch conservative views, joins to discuss the groundbreaking election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the first American Pope, Leo XIV. They dive into the implications of his alignment with Pope Francis and the excitement around his appointment. Cotton emphasizes the Republican stance that any new nuclear deal with Iran must demand the total dismantling of its nuclear program, reflecting a unified party front. The discussion culminates with insights on how trade policies could reshape U.S. global presence.
Pope Leo XIV's election as the first American pontiff symbolizes a significant cultural shift within the Catholic Church, aligning with global social issues.
President Trump's trade policies, including new tariffs, aim to create a more market-oriented global economy, benefitting American exports and industries.
Recent discussions highlight the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in universities, prompting concerns about the safety and treatment of Jewish students on campus.
Deep dives
New American Pope and His Background
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has become the first American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, he has a clerical history spanning several decades, having been ordained in 1982. Prevost’s earlier work in Peru and later as apostolic administrator of the Chicago Diocese in 2014 shapes his outlook. Reportedly, he shares certain ideological views with Pope Francis while also showing some divergence on subjects such as LGBTQ rights and education.
Investigation into Letitia James
The FBI has reportedly launched a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James concerning allegations of mortgage fraud. Specific claims suggest that she falsified records to secure favorable loan terms on properties while targeting former President Trump for similar offenses. The investigation follows a request from Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte, escalating tensions between James and the Trump administration. Critics have labeled her actions as hypocritical given her previous statements asserting that no one is above the law.
Economic and Trade Developments under Trump
President Trump’s administration is noted for imposing tariffs across various countries, which aims to establish a reciprocal relationship in trade. This approach intends to lower international tariffs while positioning the U.S. within a more competitive global market. The British trade deal is highlighted, promising significant growth in U.S. agricultural exports, particularly for beef and ethanol. Trump's economic policy is characterized by promoting the idea that reduced tariffs will ultimately foster an open market, benefitting multiple sectors.
Iran Nuclear Agreement Standoff
Senators Tom Cotton and Lindsey Graham emphasized that a nuclear deal with Iran must involve the complete dismantling of its nuclear program. They argue that any weak agreement would not receive bipartisan support, claiming that the Ayatollah regime has shown no willingness to cooperate in eliminating its nuclear ambitions. The senators assert that a solid deal is vital for ensuring national security, reiterating that prior agreements like the one made by the Obama administration led to Iran's increased nuclear capability. Military action remains a point of discussion should diplomacy fail.
Critique of Populism and Government Role
The podcast raises concerns about the modern trend towards populism, distinguishing it from genuine conservative principles. The argument posits that flooding the government with absolute power often leads to inefficiency and misguided policies, particularly in sensitive areas like air traffic control. Critics of populism in the discussion argue that true representation requires a blend of public opinion and informed decision-making from elected officials. This philosophical stance emphasizes constitutional values over the simplistic majority-rule approach often advocated by populist rhetoric.
Campus Anti-Semitism and Action
Recent hearings highlighted concerning levels of anti-Semitism within universities, particularly at Haverford College. Representatives questioned the university president about callous remarks from administrators regarding Jewish students feeling unsafe on campus. Responses indicated a lack of decisive action against those perpetuating anti-Semitic rhetoric, raising alarms about the overall safety and well-being of Jewish students. The hearings have been framed as vital to addressing systemic issues of anti-Semitism in higher education institutions across the country.
On Thursday’s Mark Levin Show, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has become the first American Pope in the history of the Catholic Church - Pope Leo XIV. Prevost's election reflects his close alignment with Pope Francis's vision on issues like the environment, poverty, and synodality. We’ll see what he does, but hopefully, he is more along the lines of John Paul II. His extensive missionary work in Peru and fluency in multiple languages were likely factors in his selection by the papal conclave. Later, President Trump’s deal with Britain really is a very big deal. It’s part of his strategy to open worldwide markets and create a more market-oriented global economy, which is why it is pro-capitalism and more free-market oriented. He imposed tariffs and reciprocity on other countries for leverage to force them to lower their tariffs and reduce foreign government subsidies of their businesses. Trump is creating the most open market system in modern world history. Afterward, Sen Tom Cotton calls in to explain that any new nuclear deal with Iran that does not involve the complete dismantlement of its nuclear program will not pass the Senate. Republicans agree with Trump that Iran needs to completely dismantle their program. Finally, Rishi Arun, president of Temple University's Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), stated that it is their mission to destroy imperialism, the United States, and capitalism. Mohammed Khatib, from the designated terror organization Samidoun, said that liberating Palestine would be a step toward dismantling the United States. They seek the violent overthrow of America - they are at war with us.
