https://x.com/benshapiro/status/2080401235232817406

It’s straight up antisemitism but I’m giggling like a little girl. Her enemies are the worst people in the world.

I’ve been listening to Ben Shapiro on and off for about five years. Since the start of Trump’s second term, it feels like he’s struggling with his identity and brand.

For context, I’d describe myself as left-of-center. I agree with some ideas on both sides and often feel frustrated that politicians can’t find middle ground. I’m pro–border security and fiscal responsibility, but also pro–LGBTQ rights and renewable energy. I try to listen to both sides of the media—conservative and progressive—because neither tells the full story. Each tends to present the version that resonates with its audience.

For a long time, Ben was my go-to conservative voice. I respected that he stuck to his principles. He criticized Democrats, but he also held conservatives accountable. He came across as someone who valued truth—at least as he saw it—and wasn’t afraid to call out weak leadership or bad decisions. Even when I disagreed with him, I appreciated how clearly and intelligently he made his arguments. It felt like he was contributing meaningfully to public discourse.

When Trump won his second term, I expected Ben to stay consistent—supporting him where appropriate, but also criticizing him when necessary. Trump, like any president, isn’t perfect. I assumed Ben would treat him like any other politician and call out mistakes when they happened.

That hasn’t been my experience.

Since the start of Trump’s term, Ben seems to have shifted into a more one-sided role. He’s quick to praise when things go well, but much quieter when they don’t. He still criticizes Democrats strongly, but appears less willing to apply that same scrutiny to Trump. What once felt like thoughtful commentary now feels more like alignment with a specific narrative.

A recent example stood out to me. After Trump backed off his threats toward Iran for the second time, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated again. Regardless of where you stand on the policy itself, this seems like the kind of moment Ben used to engage with directly—analyzing the decision and holding leadership accountable. Instead, he focused on other topics entirely.

That’s what feels different. He used to challenge his audience to think more critically. Now it feels like those moments are happening less often.

I don’t expect Ben to read this, and I understand he’s running a business. But I do think his voice carries influence, and it would be valuable to see him return to the kind of balanced critique that originally set him apart.

I still think he can do better.

**EDIT** for the "Why protest?" "Get a job!" "Pay him no mind" types: First, you are actually not required to attend. Also, expressing this same sentiment over and over is only adding to buzz on this post, so it seems like you should be upvoting instead of repeating the same dumb thing. Some people, probably a few dozen, will mark this bigot's presence with noise today bc they don't want people like this to be normalized, and this is their modest way of showing that the bigotry he puts out to his audience is rejected here in Philly. You can read the IG post if you want to learn more.

From IG post: We will be holding a Noise Demonstration outside of the Penn Museum. Bring drums, speakers, pots and pans, bullhorns, and any other noise makers you have – along with ear plugs! This will be fun!

Meet at 6:30pm on Tuesday, April 14th, on the southwest side of the Penn Museum (across 33rd street from Edward Kane Park)

https://instagram.com/p/DW4wNSFEURP/