Quick Hit:
On Thursday’s latest episode of Triggered, Donald Trump Jr. examined the stakes of the 2024 election with three guests who pointed to critical issues under Joe BidenHarris' leadership. Economist Steve Moore dissected the Biden-Harris “cost of living crisis," journalist Lee Smith outlined Obama-era tactics he claims are undermining Trump’s America First platform, and filmmaker Matt Walsh spotlighted the rise of “woke DEI madness.”
Key Details:
Economist Steve Moore argued that Biden and Harris’s economic policies have sparked a “cost of living crisis,” driving up costs on necessities like housing, gas, and food by as much as 30-40%. He warned that inflation has far outpaced wage growth, leaving families with a $1,500 to $2,000 net loss since Biden took office.
Journalist Lee Smith described ongoing tactics from the “Obama-era network” aiming to discredit Trump and his America First message. Smith claimed these tactics are reminiscent of the 1970s South American governments’ intelligence measures, calling Trump “the leading dissident of the free world.”
Filmmaker Matt Walsh revealed his experience making Am I Racist?, a documentary he described as “exposing DEI madness.” Walsh shared disturbing moments with DEI consultants and detailed how their programs exploit guilt and confusion under the guise of “training” but ultimately create division.
Diving Deeper:
In Thursday's latest episode of Triggered, Donald Trump Jr. brought together economist Steve Moore, journalist Lee Smith, and filmmaker Matt Walsh for a rounded discussion of what they each believe are the most significant threats to the United States as the 2024 election approaches. Trump Jr. framed the episode around his central concern: “This election may be our last real chance to end the corruption.”
The episode began with Moore, co-author of The Trump Economic Miracle, who pulled no punches in criticizing the economic policies of Biden and Harris. Moore pointed to the “crushing weight” of inflation, stating, “The cost of living crisis is hurting Americans at every level,” adding that “essentials are up 30 to 40%” while average wage growth has lagged far behind. Moore argued that this “kitchen-table issue” reflects a failure in Biden-Harris economic policy, highlighting that gas prices alone have risen by over 35% since Trump left office.
Moore praised Trump’s prior economic policies, particularly his focus on deregulation, which Moore says saved American families approximately $10,000 on average. Citing high costs and stagnant wage growth, Moore warned that American families “are losing around $2,000 per year under Biden.” He added that Trump's plan to “unleash America’s energy” would be key to reducing dependence on foreign oil and restoring affordability. “This is common sense,” Moore emphasized, calling Trump “the candidate for real economic recovery.”
Turning from the economic crisis to political dynamics, Trump Jr. introduced Lee Smith, whose recent book, Disappearing the President, delves into the opposition Trump has faced from what Smith described as an “Obama-era network.” Smith framed this network’s anti-Trump actions as a deep-seated effort to discredit America First values. He claimed these efforts represent a scorched-earth approach to politics, adding that Trump is the “leading dissident of the free world.” Smith alleged that key figures from Obama’s administration have worked systematically to undermine Trump’s credibility and supporters, comparing these efforts to tactics used by intelligence agencies against opposition leaders in the 1970s and 80s.
Smith outlined what he calls the “revolving door” between big tech and intelligence, noting that hundreds of former federal officials now occupy roles at major tech firms, such as Facebook and Twitter. “These aren’t abstract issues,” Smith noted. “The censorship, the narratives, and the agendas—these are being directed from former officials to silence dissenting voices and block the America First movement.”
The third guest, Matt Walsh, provided a shift in focus to the cultural landscape, sharing details from his new documentary, Am I Racist?, a satirical look into the practices of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) consultants. “DEI isn’t about inclusion or equity—it’s about guilt manipulation and control,” Walsh argued. He recounted scenes where “DEI experts” demeaned individuals willing to pay for “anti-racist training,” noting, “These programs make people feel worse, not better, by sowing division.”
Trump Jr. chimed in, observing that DEI’s rise reflects a corporate culture “caving to ideology over merit.” Walsh agreed, stressing that DEI initiatives often go against the best interests of companies and their employees, pushing identity politics while undermining unity and productivity. Walsh added, “This whole movement is a grift—selling guilt, control, and division.”