Benjamin Aaron Shapiro is a prominent American conservative political commentator, lawyer, author, and columnist. He holds significant roles in various media outlets, including serving as editor emeritus for The Daily Wire, which he co-founded, and contributing columns to publications like Creators Syndicate, Newsweek, and Ami Magazine. Shapiro is also a prominent voice in the podcasting sphere, hosting the daily political podcast and live radio show, The Ben Shapiro Show. He has authored sixteen books and previously served as editor-at-large for Breitbart News.
January 15, 1984: Ben Shapiro is born
On January 15, 1984, Benjamin Aaron Shapiro was born in Los Angeles, California.
1996: Shapiro Showcases Violin Skills at Israel Bonds Banquet
At just 12 years old, Ben Shapiro showcased his musical talents by playing the violin at the Israel Bonds Banquet in 1996.
2000: Shapiro Graduates High School
Having skipped two grades, Ben Shapiro graduated from Yeshiva University High School of Los Angeles in 2000 at the age of 16.
2002: Shapiro's Controversial Article on Civilian Casualties
In 2002, Ben Shapiro wrote an article where he downplayed the significance of civilian casualties in Afghanistan and the West Bank. He stated that he did not care about civilians killed by American or Israeli troops. Later, he apologized for the article, acknowledging its insensitivity and admitting it was poorly written. He clarified that while he still believed in prioritizing American soldiers' lives, his previous expression of this view was deeply flawed.
2003: Shapiro Supports Iraq Invasion
Ben Shapiro expressed support for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, contending that while many countries are ruled by dictatorships, the United States should focus its intervention efforts on regimes posing a direct threat to American security.
2003: Shapiro's Controversial Views on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Population Transfer
In 2003, Ben Shapiro sparked controversy by suggesting that Israel should "transfer Palestinians and Israeli-Arabs" from various territories, citing the expulsion of Germans after World War II as a precedent. He argued that this was a common and effective method to prevent violence. These views drew sharp criticism, with journalist Jeffrey Goldberg labeling them as "fascist". Shapiro has since reversed his stance on this issue, recognizing it as inhumane and impractical.
2004: Shapiro Earns Political Science Degree from UCLA
At age 20, Ben Shapiro graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2004, also earning membership in Phi Beta Kappa.
2004: Shapiro Publishes First Book, "Brainwashed"
Ben Shapiro's first book, "Brainwashed: How Universities Indoctrinate America's Youth," was published in 2004.
2006: Shapiro Calls for Reinstatement of Sedition Laws
Ben Shapiro, in 2006, advocated for reinstating sedition laws. He labeled speeches by Democrats Al Gore, John Kerry, and Howard Dean as "disloyal" and "seditious" for their criticism of the George W. Bush administration. However, in 2018, Shapiro publicly retracted these views, characterizing his previous stance as "garbage" and denouncing sedition laws as "inherently idiotic.
2007: Shapiro Graduates Harvard Law School
Ben Shapiro graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School in 2007 with a J.D.
2008: Shapiro Marries Mor Toledano
In 2008, Ben Shapiro married Mor Toledano, an Israeli medical doctor of Moroccan descent. The couple, residing in Los Angeles, practices Orthodox Judaism. They have four children: two daughters and two sons.
2010: Shapiro Calls Obama's State of the Union "Philosophically Fascist"
Ben Shapiro, in a controversial statement, labeled President Barack Obama's 2010 State of the Union address as "philosophically fascist." His remarks drew criticism for their charged language and their departure from conventional political discourse. This instance exemplifies Shapiro's tendency to employ provocative rhetoric, often sparking debate and accusations of hyperbole.
2010: Shapiro's Controversial Comparison of Israelis and Arabs
In 2010, Ben Shapiro made a controversial statement contrasting Israelis with Arabs, claiming that Israelis "like to build" while Arabs "like to bomb crap and live in open sewage." He later clarified that he was referring to the leadership and terrorist groups rather than the general populations.
2010: Shapiro's Controversial Comments on Homosexuality and Mental Illness
In 2010, Ben Shapiro sparked controversy by arguing against the removal of homosexuality as a mental illness from the DSM, citing higher rates of depression among homosexuals compared to heterosexuals and their inability to reproduce.
2011: Shapiro Publishes Fourth Book, "Primetime Propaganda"
Ben Shapiro published his fourth book, "Primetime Propaganda: The True Hollywood Story of How the Left Took Over Your TV," in 2011.
2011: Shapiro Criticizes "Jews In Name Only"
In 2011, Ben Shapiro, in a tweet and article, criticized "Bad Jews" and "Jews in Name Only (JINOs)," who he claimed predominantly vote Democrat, don't care about Israel, and prioritize issues like abortion, gay marriage, and climate change over Israel's well-being.
2011: Shapiro Becomes Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center
Ben Shapiro became a fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center in 2011.
March 2012: Shapiro Starts Legal Consulting Firm
Ben Shapiro started his own independent legal consulting firm, Benjamin Shapiro Legal Consulting, in Los Angeles in March 2012.
2012: Zman Magazine Recognizes Shapiro as a Rising Star in Conservative Movement
In 2012, Zman Magazine recognized Ben Shapiro as a rising figure within the conservative movement. This acknowledgment highlighted his growing influence and impact within conservative circles.
2012: Shapiro Begins Hosting on KRLA-AM 870
Ben Shapiro joined the KRLA-AM 870 radio station as a host in 2012.
2012: Shapiro Becomes Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News
Ben Shapiro took on the role of editor-at-large at Breitbart News in 2012.
January 10, 2013: Shapiro's Heated Exchange with Piers Morgan on Gun Control Following the Sandy Hook Shooting
Following the December 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Ben Shapiro's appearance on Piers Morgan Tonight in January 2013 led to a heated exchange on gun control, with Shapiro accusing Morgan of exploiting the tragedy for political gain. The encounter went viral, garnering millions of views.
February 7, 2013: Shapiro Publishes Article About Chuck Hagel's Campaign
On February 7, 2013, Ben Shapiro published an article alleging that Chuck Hagel's political campaign received contributions from a group called "Friends of Hamas." The allegation, which he attributed to unnamed Senate sources, was later debunked.
October 7, 2013: Co-Founds TruthRevolt
On October 7, 2013, Ben Shapiro, alongside Jeremy Boreing, established the media criticism website TruthRevolt. The website, funded by the David Horowitz Freedom Center, aimed to challenge perceived liberal bias in media.
2013: Shapiro Publishes "Bullies"
Ben Shapiro published his fifth book, "Bullies: How the Left's Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences Americans," in 2013.
2014: Shapiro's Claim of Minimal Discrimination Against Homosexuals in the US
In 2014, Ben Shapiro argued that the United States does not discriminate against homosexuals, asserting that discrimination against gays in the country is minimal.
2014: Shapiro's "Myth of the Tiny Radical Muslim Minority" Video Debunked
In 2014, Ben Shapiro released a YouTube video titled "The Myth of the Tiny Radical Muslim Minority." His claim that over half of the world's Muslims were radicalized due to their support for Sharia law was widely disputed. Critics, including PolitiFact and Channel 4 News, challenged his methodology, arguing that support for Sharia law doesn't equate to radicalization.
July 2015: Shapiro's On-Air Confrontation with Zoey Tur and Subsequent Police Report
In July 2015, Ben Shapiro's appearance on Dr. Drew On Call alongside transgender activist Zoey Tur escalated into an on-air confrontation, with Shapiro misgendering and questioning Tur's genetics. The incident led to physical contact from Tur and a subsequent police report filed by Shapiro alleging battery.
September 21, 2015: Shapiro and Boreing Found The Daily Wire
Ben Shapiro, along with Jeremy Boreing, founded The Daily Wire on September 21, 2015.
2015: Shapiro Co-founds The Daily Wire
In 2015, Ben Shapiro co-founded the conservative media company, The Daily Wire.
February 25, 2016: "When Diversity Becomes a Problem" Speech at California State University, Los Angeles
On February 25, 2016, Ben Shapiro's scheduled speech at California State University, Los Angeles, titled "When Diversity Becomes a Problem," sparked controversy and protests. The university president initially canceled the event but later allowed it to proceed. Student protests, including a fire alarm being pulled, disrupted the event, highlighting tensions surrounding free speech and diversity on campus.
August 2016: Shapiro's Opposition to Trump's Candidacy and Concerns over Supreme Court Appointments
In August 2016, Ben Shapiro publicly opposed Donald Trump's presidential candidacy, arguing that Trump would not appoint conservative justices to the Supreme Court, a key concern for Shapiro. He also criticized Steve Bannon for supporting Trump and expressed that a vote for Trump was more a vote against Hillary Clinton than for Trump.
August 2016: DePaul University Revokes Invitation for Shapiro to Speak
In August 2016, DePaul University withdrew an invitation extended to Ben Shapiro to address students, citing "security concerns." This decision further fueled debate surrounding Shapiro's views and their reception on college campuses.
2016: Shapiro's Views on "Hierarchy of Victimhood" and Political Correctness
Ben Shapiro has articulated his belief in an imaginary "hierarchy of victimhood" perpetuated by the political left. He argues that this perceived hierarchy grants undue weight to the opinions of marginalized groups, contributing to what he sees as the left's dominance in culture and media. He criticizes this dominance as a factor in conservative disenfranchisement and the rise of figures like Donald Trump. Shapiro has also been a vocal critic of "political correctness," which he believes stifles free speech and fosters an environment of censorship, particularly on college campuses. He argues that safe spaces, often implemented with the intention of fostering inclusivity, are antithetical to open dialogue and intellectual freedom.
2016: Shapiro Begins College Campus Speaking Tour
Ben Shapiro started making appearances and giving speeches at college campuses around the United States, beginning in early 2016.
2016: Shapiro Becomes Host on "The Morning Answer"
By 2016, Ben Shapiro became one of the hosts for the conservative radio show "The Morning Answer."
2016: Shapiro Labels Bernie Sanders "Jew In Name Only"
During the 2016 presidential election, Ben Shapiro labeled presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, who is ethnically Jewish, a "Jew In Name Only." Shapiro's statements sparked controversy and accusations of using his platform to police Jewish identity and political allegiance.
2016: Shapiro Resigns from Breitbart News
In 2016, Ben Shapiro publically resigned from his position at Breitbart News, citing their support of Donald Trump and inadequate response to the assault allegations against Corey Lewandowski.
2016: Shapiro Becomes Target of Online Harassment and Antisemitic Threats
Ben Shapiro became a prominent target of online harassment and antisemitic threats, particularly from segments of the alt-right, following his departure from Breitbart News. An Anti-Defamation League analysis in 2016 revealed that he was among the most frequent recipients of antisemitic tweets directed at journalists.
September 14, 2017: Shapiro's Speech on Identity Politics at UC Berkeley
Ben Shapiro delivered a speech at UC Berkeley on September 14, 2017, criticizing identity politics. The event, organized by the Berkeley College Republicans, drew significant controversy and required a substantial police presence. While met with protests, the event proceeded without major incidents.
October 2017: Shapiro's Stance on Gun Control Following the Las Vegas Shooting
In the aftermath of the October 2017 Las Vegas shooting, Ben Shapiro argued against a complete ban on guns, deeming it unwise and immoral. He asserted that no existing gun law could have prevented the tragedy, citing a lack of correlation between gun ownership rates and gun homicide rates.
2017: Shapiro's College Campus Speaking Tour Continues
Ben Shapiro continued his college campus speaking tour through late 2017, often presenting a conservative stance on contentious issues.
2017: Shapiro Releases First Fiction Novel, "True Allegiance"
Ben Shapiro published his first and only fiction novel, "True Allegiance," in 2017.
2017: Shapiro Denies Systemic Racism in America
Ben Shapiro refuted the notion of widespread systemic injustice against African-Americans in the United States in 2017. He argued against the idea that disproportionate poverty among Black Americans stems from inherent racism. Shapiro further challenged the view of the United States being founded on slavery, asserting that the nation's foundation transcended its history with slavery.
2017: Shapiro's Connection to Quebec City Mosque Shooting
Following the 2017 Quebec City mosque shooting, where six Muslims were killed, police investigations revealed that the perpetrator, Alexandre Bissonnette, frequently visited Ben Shapiro's Twitter feed. Shapiro condemned the attack, denying any responsibility for inciting the violence. This incident raised questions about the potential impact of inflammatory rhetoric and online platforms on real-world violence.
2017: Shapiro Condemns the Alt-Right Movement
In 2017, Ben Shapiro publicly denounced the alt-right movement, distancing himself from its ideology. He labeled it a destructive movement rooted in flawed principles, emphasizing its divergence from his understanding of constitutional conservatism.
March 2018: TruthRevolt Ceases Operations
In March 2018, TruthRevolt, the media criticism website co-founded by Ben Shapiro, ceased operations. The website, known for its conservative perspective, had been a platform for challenging perceived liberal bias in media.
April 2018: Westwood One Begins Syndicating "The Ben Shapiro Show"
"The Ben Shapiro Show" podcast began being syndicated to radio by Westwood One in April 2018.
December 2018: Shapiro's PragerU Videos Gain Millions of Views
By December 2018, Ben Shapiro's talks on PragerU, particularly those centered around intersectionality and Hollywood, garnered significant attention, accumulating 4,900,000 to 8,400,000 views.
2018: Shapiro's Allegations of Facebook Bias Against Conservative Sites
In 2018, Ben Shapiro accused Facebook of targeting conservative sites with algorithm changes that limited their traffic, criticizing the platform for a lack of transparency.
2018: Shapiro Retracts Support for Sedition Laws
In a 2018 column, Ben Shapiro retracted his previous support for sedition laws, which he had advocated for in 2006. Acknowledging the flawed nature of his earlier stance, he described his previous column as "garbage" and dismissed the concept of sedition laws as "inherently idiotic." This retraction reflects his evolution on the issue and his willingness to publicly acknowledge past errors.
January 2019: Westwood One Expands "The Ben Shapiro Show"
Ben Shapiro's "The Ben Shapiro Show" expanded its reach in January 2019 when Westwood One added a nationally syndicated two-hour live radio show to its lineup.
January 2019: Shapiro Condemns Steve King's Comments
In January 2019, Ben Shapiro joined other conservative commentators in denouncing Representative Steve King's defense of "white supremacy" and "white nationalism." Advocating for King's censure, Shapiro subsequently supported Randy Feenstra, King's primary challenger in 2020.
March 2019: "The Ben Shapiro Show" Ranks Highly and Expands
By March 2019, "The Ben Shapiro Show" podcast achieved the ranking of the second most popular podcast in the U.S., according to Podtrac. The show also expanded in January 2019 with the addition of a nationally syndicated two-hour live radio show, bringing the total daily Ben Shapiro programming to three hours.
2019: Shapiro Challenges The Economist's "Alt-Right" Label
Ben Shapiro challenged The Economist's characterization of him as "alt-right" in a 2019 interview. The publication subsequently issued an apology, acknowledging the inaccuracy, and revised the article's title to describe him as a "radical conservative." This incident underscored the contested nature of labels and their potential to misrepresent individuals' beliefs.
2019: Shapiro Speaks at March for Life in Washington, D.C.
Ben Shapiro participated as a speaker at the 2019 March for Life in Washington, D.C. During his address, he characterized abortion as a "violent act," further solidifying his stance on the issue.
2019: Shapiro Publishes "The Right Side of History"
Ben Shapiro published "The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great" in 2019.
2019: Shapiro Compares Ilhan Omar's Views to White Supremacist
In 2019, Ben Shapiro drew parallels between Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's criticisms of Israel and the views of a white supremacist shooter, arguing that they shared similar opinions about Jewish people. This comparison sparked controversy and accusations of Islamophobia.
2019: Shapiro Expresses Views on Abortion and Roe v. Wade
In 2019, Ben Shapiro publicly stated his belief that the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade was improbable. He expressed doubt about the Court's willingness to overturn the landmark ruling.
2019: Shapiro's Extreme Response to Beto O'Rourke's Stance on Religious Institutions' Tax-Exempt Status
In 2019, Ben Shapiro responded to 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke's proposal to revoke the tax-exempt status of religious institutions opposing same-sex marriage with a statement suggesting he would either leave the country or resort to violence if O'Rourke attempted to "indoctrinate" his children in religious schools.
2019: FBI Arrests Man for Threatening Shapiro and Family
In 2019, the FBI apprehended a man from Washington state for issuing death threats against Ben Shapiro and his family. The incident highlights the increasing risks and security concerns faced by public figures, particularly those expressing strong political views.
June 2020: Shapiro Transitions to Editor Emeritus at The Daily Wire
Ben Shapiro stepped down from his position as editor-in-chief at The Daily Wire in June 2020, taking on the role of editor emeritus.
September 2020: Shapiro Relocates to Florida, Daily Wire to Tennessee
In September 2020, Ben Shapiro announced his departure from California. While he moved the headquarters of his media company, The Daily Wire, to Nashville, Tennessee, he and his family relocated to Florida. This decision reflects a broader trend of individuals and businesses leaving California, often citing factors like high taxes, cost of living, and political climate.
October 19, 2020: Shapiro's Decision to Vote for Trump in the 2020 Election
On October 19, 2020, Ben Shapiro announced his decision to vote for Donald Trump in the presidential election, citing his belief that he was wrong about Trump's policies, the damage Trump could inflict had already been done, and his disapproval of the Democratic Party.
November 3, 2020: Shapiro Rebukes Trump's Premature Claim of Victory
On election night in 2020, Ben Shapiro publicly rebuked Donald Trump for prematurely declaring himself the winner of the presidential election before either candidate had secured the required electoral votes, calling it "deeply irresponsible".
2020: Shapiro's Views on California Wildfires and Climate Change
In 2020, Ben Shapiro suggested that state policies, rather than climate change, were the primary cause of the severity of the California wildfires, a stance that drew criticism from Scientific American for allegedly promoting climate change denial.
2020: Shapiro Supports King's Primary Challenger
Ben Shapiro actively supported Randy Feenstra, the primary challenger against Representative Steve King in 2020. This followed Shapiro's condemnation of King's controversial statements regarding "white supremacy" and "white nationalism."
January 14, 2021: Shapiro's Politico Article on Trump Impeachment Sparks Backlash
On January 14, 2021, Ben Shapiro's guest contribution to Politico's Playbook newsletter, defending House Republicans who opposed Donald Trump's second impeachment, ignited significant internal controversy and backlash from Politico staffers. The incident highlighted tensions surrounding Shapiro's views and their place within the publication.
May 2021: Shapiro Condemns Hamas During Israel-Palestine Crisis
During the 2021 Israel-Palestine crisis, Ben Shapiro characterized Hamas' rocket attacks as an attempted "anti-Semitic genocide," alleging that the organization aimed to provoke Israeli retaliation against Palestinian civilians for propaganda purposes. He further criticized media coverage of the conflict, particularly targeting The New York Times for an opinion piece and a previously retracted map.
2021: Shapiro Downplays the Urgency of Climate Change
In 2021, Ben Shapiro argued that a 4 °C (7.2 °F) global temperature increase wasn't an emergency, characterizing such a description as politically motivated.
2021: Shapiro's Position on COVID-19 Vaccines and Mandates
In 2021, Ben Shapiro expressed his support for COVID-19 vaccines, stating that he himself was vaccinated. However, he opposed vaccine mandates.
2021: Shapiro Publishes "The Authoritarian Moment"
In 2021, Ben Shapiro published his book, "The Authoritarian Moment."
2021: Shapiro's Podcast Ranks 9th on Apple Podcasts
In 2021, Ben Shapiro's podcast was ranked as the 9th most listened to on Apple Podcasts.
August 2022: Shapiro's Assertion on Marxism's Incompatibility with America's Social Mobility
In August 2022, Ben Shapiro argued that "Marxism can't work in America," citing "high levels of societal income mobility" as the primary reason.
October 2022: Shapiro Condemns Kanye West's Antisemitism
In October 2022, Ben Shapiro publicly condemned Kanye West's antisemitic remarks, drawing parallels to Nazi Germany's propaganda and describing West as "unstable." Shapiro's stance against West's comments reflects his condemnation of antisemitism and his outspoken nature on social and political issues.
December 1, 2023: Shapiro Cameos in "Lady Ballers" Film
Ben Shapiro made a cameo appearance as a referee in "Lady Ballers," a film released on December 1, 2023.
January 26, 2024: Features in Tom MacDonald's "Facts" Music Video
On January 26, 2024, Ben Shapiro appeared in the music video for Tom MacDonald's rap song "Facts."
February 5, 2024: "Facts" Debuts on Billboard Hot 100
On February 5, 2024, Tom MacDonald's "Facts," featuring Ben Shapiro, debuted at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
March 2024: Shapiro's Controversial Stance on Retirement
In March 2024, Ben Shapiro sparked controversy with his statement that retirement at 65 was inappropriate and that he considered retirement itself a "stupid idea" unless one had health issues.
2024: Shapiro's Shifting Stance on Trump in the 2024 Republican Primaries
Initially favoring Ron DeSantis over Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican primaries, Ben Shapiro later shifted his support back to Trump after DeSantis dropped out, even helping to host a fundraiser for the former president.