The Daily Signal

“If you live by executive order, you can be canceled by executive order,” says Victor Davis Hanson on this edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words,” when talking about the Trump administration’s decision to restructure the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), originally created by President John F. Kennedy via executive order in 1961.“It's been released that they were subsidizing everything from trans festivities overseas to gay comic books. But what was very interesting was there was a $40 million-plus grant to the Wuhan virology lab and channeled, apparently, through EcoHealth, Peter Daszak’s organization. This is important because under testimony, we were under the impression that Anthony Fauci only had his hands on $600,000.” “At the very time the Democratic Party is polling, according to Quinnipiac—a very liberal polling organization—just 31% approval, a historical low—they all know what they have to do. And that is move to the center. But Donald Trump has moved so fast, and in so many untraditional ways, that their natural hysteria has overcome their sense of reality.” For Victor’s latest thoughts, go to: https://victorhanson.com/ Don’t miss out on Victor’s latest videos by subscribing to The Daily Signal today. You’ll be notified every time a new piece of content drops: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHqkXbgqrDrDVInBMSoGQgQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawmakers react to President Trump's bold claim about the Gaza Strip, stirring up mixed opinions. Trump also signs an executive order aimed at keeping transgender women out of women’s sports, igniting a passionate debate on fairness in athletics. Meanwhile, the Senate confirms key nominees, showcasing Trump's influence on government. Plus, the CIA starts offering buyouts to employees hesitant about returning to the office, and the NFL plans to change its anti-racism messaging for the Super Bowl.

Victor Davis Hanson, a renowned historian and military strategist, dives into the contentious world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring practices. He questions whether these standards prioritize safety over merit, citing a recent incident and a lawsuit against the FAA for allegedly discriminating against qualified applicants based on race. Hanson draws provocative historical comparisons, warning that the push for inclusivity may lead to serious consequences in critical professions. His insights challenge listeners to rethink the implications of DEI initiatives on public safety.

On today’s Top News in 10, we cover:   Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advances in his Senate confirmation process. China responds to tariffs levied by President Donald Trump by imposing tariffs on some U.S. imports.  Mexican drug cartels are ordering their members to attack US Border Patrol agents. Tulsi Gabbard faces a closed-door vote to be confirmed as Director of National Intelligence. The White House anticipates a "spike" in federal resignations. Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C., introduces a bill to require universities to disclose any contracts they have with foreign adversaries Links From Today’s Show:Keep Up With The Daily SignalSign up for our email newsletters: https://www.dailysignal.com/email   Subscribe to our other shows: The Tony Kinnett Cast: https://www.dailysignal.com/the-tony-kinnett-cast Problematic Women: https://www.dailysignal.com/problematic-women The Signal Sitdown: https://www.dailysignal.com/the-signal-sitdown  Follow The Daily Signal: X: https://x.com/DailySignal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedailysignal/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDailySignalNews/ Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@DailySignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DailySignal Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/TheDailySignal  Thanks for making The Daily Signal Podcast your trusted source for the day’s top news. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words,” a Daily Signal original series, Hanson discusses the controversy surrounding Donald Trump's blunt comments about diversity, equity, and inclusion potentially being at fault in the recent commercial jet/Army helicopter collision outside of Washington. “ We do know this, and Donald Trump brought it up, and that was that the FAA consistently under Joe Biden had racial quotas, and they abolished programs, and universities that encouraged people who had either expertise through the curriculum or prior military experience who would do well on meritocratic exams to try to join the FAA—and they were rejected because of their race.”“ My point is that when [Trump] did that, everybody in the media thought it was awful. But then people who probably didn’t even vote for him said, 'Wait a minute. I want to be safe. I want my daughter to be safe. I want my husband to be safe. You mean there’s people in these control towers that were selected for criteria other than merit?'” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A compelling agreement between the U.S. and Mexico pauses tariffs in exchange for military action against drug trafficking. The move comes amid significant changes with USAID, as responsibilities shift to the State Department, raising foreign aid concerns. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to Washington stirs up discussions on the region's geopolitical tensions, including the Israel-Hamas conflict. Enhancing border security discussions also reveal public sentiments on deporting criminal illegal aliens.

President Donald Trump is surging resources to America’s southern border, including military personnel, and has every right to do so, according to Robert Greenway. “It is not unprecedented for the military to be called in [to the border] when the capacity of our law enforcement agencies is exceeded, and that’s almost certainly the case now,” said Greenway, director of the Center for National Defense at The Heritage Foundation.In a new Heritage report titled, “How the President Can Use the U.S. Military to Confront the Catastrophic Threat at the Border with Mexico,” Greenway, who is also a former member of the National Security Council, Greenway breaks down the specific ways the military can step in to secure the border. The military can help in three general capacities at the border, Greenway explains. First, the military can help with transportation and housing of illegal aliens in the deportation process. Second, the military can provide assistance with the physical security of the border through increased personnel, surveillance, and assistance in the construction of the border wall. And finally, the military can work outside of the U.S. with other countries to help them police their own borders more effectively. “I think there’s a huge role for the military to play, and advise, equip, support, and assist our partners and allies south of the border,” he said. “The military is uniquely capable of doing that.”Greenway joins “The Daily Signal Podcast” to discuss past cases in which the U.S. deployed the military to the U.S. border, and why it is an effective strategy for stopping the flood of illegal immigration.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Victor Davis Hanson, a military historian and acclaimed author, discusses Donald Trump's executive orders targeting diversity and inclusion at elite universities. He highlights recent protests at Columbia and NYU, hinting at potential repercussions for students involved. Hanson asserts that without consequences, these elite students thrive in a pampered culture, but shifts in attitudes might occur if universities take a firmer stance. He also critiques the preparedness of prestigious graduates, raising concerns for Silicon Valley employers about their radical views and skills.

On today’s Top News in 10, we cover:   White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announces Trump will install tariffs on Mexico, Canada, on China starting Saturday. The Trump administration’s Department of Education releases a “dear colleague” letter rejecting the Biden administration’s attempt to change the meaning of “sex” in Title IX. New evidence arises about the cause of Wednesday night’s plane crash in DC.   Sen. Jim Banks requests an investigation into reports that a foreign aid agency pushed abortion on Sierra Leone Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirms that some criminal illegal immigrants will be sent to Guantanamo Bay detention camp.  The Trump administration eliminates the Pentagon’s policy of funding abortion travel. Links From Today’s Show:Keep Up With The Daily SignalSign up for our email newsletters: https://www.dailysignal.com/email   Subscribe to our other shows: The Tony Kinnett Cast: https://www.dailysignal.com/the-tony-kinnett-cast Problematic Women: https://www.dailysignal.com/problematic-women The Signal Sitdown: https://www.dailysignal.com/the-signal-sitdown  Follow The Daily Signal: X: https://x.com/DailySignal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedailysignal/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDailySignalNews/ Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@DailySignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DailySignal Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/TheDailySignal  Thanks for making The Daily Signal Podcast your trusted source for the day’s top news. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words,” Hanson cuts through the hysteria surrounding Donald Trump's decision to end the security details for Mike Pompeo, John Bolton, and Anthony Fauci, highlighting their financial standings and Trump's stance on their protection: Donald Trump said, when he was pressed about this, “aren't you worried that you may be culpable if any of them are harmed, since, supposedly, right-wingers don't like Fauci and the Iranians are mad at Bolton and Pompeo?”And he said, “do we give security details forever?” “Donald Trump will do more to keep Pompeo and Bolton safe by confronting Iran. And he already has told Iran that they are going to be held responsible, not just for threatening Bolton's life or Pompeo's, but his life.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices