Josh Shapiro on Trump, Iran War Chaos, Israel's Failure, the Economy, and 2028 Race

Josh Shapiro argued that Pennsylvania has become a pro-growth counterexample to states that, in his view, let red tape and ideological politics drive businesses away. He said his administration has cut taxes seven times, sped up permitting with a money-back guarantee, expanded workforce training, and made the state one of the only growing economies in the Northeast. He framed the governing philosophy as simple: move fast, get to yes, reduce cynicism, and use government to create jobs rather than obstruct them.

The conversation then turned to taxes, inequality, and the Democratic Party’s path forward. Shapiro rejected wealth taxes as the answer, said people should pay their fair share, and argued that economic opportunity matters more than punishing success. He criticized Trump’s tax and spending policies as regressive, warning they would worsen health-care losses and rural hospital closures. On party politics, he said Democrats need a big tent, a real debate, and a focus on education, safety, economic opportunity, and freedom rather than purity tests.

Shapiro was especially forceful on corruption, calling Congress “pathetic” for surrendering its constitutional role, and said the Trump era has normalized self-dealing and abuse of pardons. He also drew a sharp distinction between antisemitism, which he said should be universally condemned, and Israel policy, where he argued Netanyahu has led Israel down a dangerous path. On the Iran war, he said the administration never clearly defined its mission and that the conflict has harmed U.S. security and the economy.