Ep. 2390 - Is MAGA BROKEN?! Trump Staffer RESIGNS in Protest! - The Ben Shapiro Show Recap

Podcast: The Ben Shapiro Show

Published: 2026-03-18

Duration: 3764

Guests: John Thune, Daniel DiMartino

What Happened

Joe Kent, a former Green Beret and CIA operative, recently resigned as director of the National Center for Counterterrorism, a position he was appointed to by Donald Trump. His resignation letter accused the Trump administration of being influenced by Israel and its American lobby, suggesting this manipulation impacted actions against Iran. Despite his controversial past, including support for Bernie Sanders and associations with white supremacists, Kent's exit has been celebrated by anti-Trump media as a sign of a fractured MAGA coalition.

Kent's claims were dismissed by President Trump, who stated that Iran has been a threat independent of Israel's influence. Tulsi Gabbard, who appointed Kent, defended Trump's authority to determine national security threats. Kent's resignation also drew attention due to his past as a known leaker, which led to his exclusion from intelligence briefings prior to stepping down.

Amidst this political upheaval, the episode also addresses the escalating situation in Iran, where the military capabilities have been significantly weakened by the United States and Israel. Key leaders have been eliminated, and Israel has issued direct warnings to Iranian officials. Despite the reduced threat, the US has faced challenges in rallying NATO support for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which remains a strategic point of contention.

The episode explores three potential futures for Iran: a rapid uprising, a series of sectarian uprisings, or the US managing to secure freedom in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian regime faces the risk of collapse, and the US and Israel are preparing for potential upheavals, including targeted strikes in Tehran. The degradation of Iran's military infrastructure, particularly its air force and navy, has been a significant blow.

Switching focus to Cuba, the episode discusses the country's economic struggles and increasing protests against the regime. With subsidies from the Soviet Union and Venezuela no longer available, Cuba's economy is faltering. The Cuban government has tried to attract foreign investment by allowing Cubans abroad to invest, but experts like Daniel DiMartino believe these measures are insufficient for meaningful change.

Protests in Cuba have surged, with numbers escalating from 31 in January to 130 by mid-March. Miguel Diaz-Canal's leadership is under threat, with predictions of a possible exit from office. The US is seen as playing a crucial role in these potential regime changes, as the Democratic Socialists of America and figures like Hassan Piker are involved in supporting the Cuban cause. DiMartino views the current geopolitical climate as an opportunity for President Trump to effect significant change in Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran, drawing parallels to Ronald Reagan's era.

Key Insights

• Joe Kent's resignation from the National Center for Counterterrorism has been interpreted by some as a sign of division within the MAGA coalition, although President Trump and his supporters dismiss these claims.
• Iran's military capabilities have been significantly weakened due to strategic actions by the US and Israel, including the degradation of its air force and elimination of key leaders.
• Cuba's economic situation is deteriorating without external subsidies, leading to increased protests and a potential regime change, with the US potentially playing a pivotal role.
• The US faces challenges in gathering NATO support for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key strategic point in the ongoing tensions with Iran.