The Daily Signal

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is on a mission to cut wasteful spending, eliminating millions in diversity contracts. The Senate passes a contentious $340 billion budget reconciliation bill, with fierce political debates. Trump sparks debates over his new order restricting male athletes from women's sports, facing pushback from some governors. Plus, a look at Sen. Hawley's push for oversight on U.S. aid to Ukraine and a high-profile trial involving New York City's mayor hints at escalating tensions in politics.

Victor Davis Hanson, a distinguished historian and military affairs commentator, explores the future of America's defense under Pete Hegseth. He discusses potential Pentagon reforms aimed at improving procurement and reducing inefficiencies in military spending. Hanson highlights the need for a shift from traditional, expensive military assets to more adaptable and cost-effective solutions, especially in the face of evolving warfare strategies seen in Ukraine. The conversation also touches on challenges in military recruitment and the importance of effective leadership.

Explore the shifting landscape of political approval as Trump’s rating faces scrutiny a month into his presidency. Mitch McConnell announces he won't run for reelection, signaling a new chapter in the Senate. Nikki Haley takes a firm stance on Ukraine, arguing Trump's criticisms aid Putin’s agenda. Plus, the Senate confirms a new FBI director amidst rising international tensions and the heartbreaking return of hostages to Israel, reflecting the intertwining of domestic politics and global events.

Victor Davis Hanson, a renowned historian and author, delves into the political landscape shaped by the Trump administration. He contrasts Trump's presidency with the radical shifts during Obama's years, framing it as a 'Trump restoration'. Hanson likens contemporary societal changes to the French Revolution, emphasizing the cultural and political upheavals we face today. He advocates for a return to common sense governance, urging a counter-revolution against far-left ideologies to restore traditional values and normalcy in American life.

On today’s Top News in 10, we cover:  Senate Majority Leader John Thune says “it’s time to act” on a budget reconciliation bill that provides funding to secure the border, rebuild America’s defenses, and promote domestic energy production.  President Trump and Elon Musk sat down for a joint interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity to talk about the Department of Government Efficiency and the Left’s efforts to sow division between the two men.  The White House banished the Associated Press from the Oval Office and Air Force One over a dispute on the newly renamed Gulf of America.  Plus, our news flash:  Tensions between President Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymr Zelenskyy escalated today following a meeting between Russian officials and Trump’s team in Saudi Arabia.   President Trump says he is firing all the Biden-era U.S. attorneys in a move to restore confidence at the Department of Justice.  Kelly Loeffler was confirmed by the Senate today to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration. That sets the stage for a vote on Kash Patel to serve as the next FBI director.  CPAC starts Thursday on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., and Vice President JD Vance is slated to kick off the event. The Daily Signal will have a spot on CPAC’s media row.  Keep Up With The Daily Signal  Sign 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

During his trip to Europe last week, Vice President JD Vance said to European leaders at the Munich Security Conference, “The threat that I worry the most about vis-a-vis Europe is not Russia, it’s not China, it’s not any other external actor. What I worry about is the threat from within. The retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values—values shared with the United States of America.”In the face of mounting inflation and rampant illegal immigration, Europe’s leaders must listen to their people and not take a “hard left,” plunging the country into a Joe Biden-level, continentwide nightmare, argues Victor Davis Hanson on today’s edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words.”“[Vance’s] criticism was multifaceted: Close your borders. Legal-only immigration. Up your defense budget. Allow for free speech. We've gone through the Biden nightmare at home. We know what it was like to go hard left. Don't go that way. Deregulate. ...“Germany and Europe better be very careful. Germany's fertility rate is 1.45. Europe's, in aggregate, is only about 1.5. We're at least 1.6. We said years ago in 2014, NATO, pay 2% of GDP and hold your own and pull your own weight. And now it's 10 years, 11 years later and we still have nine NATO countries that will not do it, especially Germany. ... “They have 16% of the population was not born in Germany. France is almost as bad. And they do not assimilate, intermarry, and integrate like we do. They are looking at this huge Russian-Ukrainian war on their borders where maybe 1.5 million people have been killed or wounded or missing. And they're critical of the United States that pays the greatest proportion of the NATO budget and who puts Europe under its nuclear shield. And they are damning us.”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 video drops: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHqkXbgqrDrDVInBMSoGQgQThe Daily Signal cannot continue to tell stories like this one without the support of our viewers: https://secured.dailysignal.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Top News in 10, we cover:   Russia has agreed to engage in talks over ending the war with Ukraine.  Hamas announces that they will release the bodies of four deceased hostages, including Shiri Bibas and her two young children. New York City Mayor Eric Adams is under pressure to resign.  Also on today’s show:  President Trump’s acts to end DEI practices. All passengers survive a Delta airplane crash landing.  Pope Francis has pneumonia in both his lungs. 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

Tevi Troy, a presidential historian and former Bush administration official, discusses his book on the dynamic relationship between CEOs and presidents, from titans like Rockefeller to today's tech leaders. He delves into how business leaders are increasingly influencing politics, particularly during Trump's presidency, with figures like Elon Musk shaping policy. The conversation also touches on AI regulations, the shifting stances of corporations on social issues, and the intricate balance CEOs must find between corporate interests and political engagement.

Europe’s largest and deadliest war since 1945 needs to come to an end, argues Victor Davis Hanson in this edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words.”As rumors of peace talks between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine spread, Hanson talks shop about the likely outcomes and why President Donald Trump is the only one who can end Europe’s bloodiest war since World War II:“What did Donald Trump do when he came in? He started giving offensive weapons to Ukraine. He killed 300 to 400 of the Wagner Group in Syria. Nobody had ever done that in the Cold War, killed that many Russians. He got out of an asymmetrical missile deal. He sanctioned the oligarchs at a higher level. He started flooding the world with cheap oil that could bankrupt Russia. He was the best friend that Ukraine ever had.”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 video drops: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHqkXbgqrDrDVInBMSoGQgQThe Daily Signal cannot continue to tell stories like this one without the support of our viewers: https://secured.dailysignal.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Vice President addressed challenges of mass migration at the Munich Security Conference. Trump and Modi discussed critical defense and economic relations. Political tension arises with claims about proof of citizenship disenfranchising women. Vance critiques the Wall Street Journal, igniting debate on media narratives. Meanwhile, another American hostage returns home, shedding light on urgent foreign policy issues. The intersection of technology and politics is also examined, highlighting the impact of Generative AI on user interaction.