Benjamin Aaron Shapiro (born January 15, 1984, in Los Angeles, California) is a prominent American conservative political commentator, public speaker, author, attorney, and media executive. He is the co-founder of The Daily Wire media company, where he serves as editor emeritus and hosts the highly popular podcast and radio show The Ben Shapiro Show, which reaches millions weekly. He has built a massive media platform reaching millions through podcasts, books, and videos, and is known for his debates, media presence, and for debating liberal ideas. Influential among young Republicans and in youth-oriented conservative media on cultural, foreign policy, and economic issues, he is a key figure in modern right-wing media, recognized for his rapid-fire debating style, logical arguments, orthodox Jewish perspective on cultural issues, his pro-Israel views, his promotion of orthodox Jewish conservatism, and his criticism of progressive Jewish organizations. Raised in a Jewish family, Shapiro demonstrated early intellectual prowess, publishing his first column at age 17 and becoming the youngest nationally syndicated columnist in the United States. He graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a degree in political science in 2004, followed by a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 2007. Initially working as an attorney at firms like Goodwin Procter, Shapiro transitioned into media. His work often critiques liberal policies, progressive ideologies, identity politics, and what he calls 'woke' culture on issues like free speech, abortion, gun rights, healthcare, Israel, and social issues, establishing him as a leading voice in conservative circles. Shapiro's career includes stints as editor-at-large at Breitbart News from 2012 to 2016, authoring over 16 books including bestsellers like Brainwashed: How Universities Indoctrinate America's Youth (2004), The Right Side of History (2019), and How to Destroy America in Three Easy Steps (2020), and contributing columns to outlets such as Creators Syndicate, Newsweek, and Ami Magazine. He is frequently interviewed on JNS platforms and collaborates on news analysis. He is known for his Never Trump stance initially and is a frequent collaborator in right-wing media projects, having built a massive online following, particularly among young conservatives, through viral debates and social media presence. He has been involved in various controversies, including accusations of promoting alt-right views early in his career (which he denies), clashes with figures like Steve Bannon and Donald Trump, campus protests over his speaking engagements deemed inflammatory, and backlash for comments on race and gender. Shapiro identifies as an Orthodox Jew and advocates strongly for Israel, while his personal life includes marriage to Mor Shapiro, a physician, since 2008, with whom he has children and resides in Florida. His influence extends through media ownership, speaking tours, and speaking engagements at universities and conservative events, positioning him as a key node in conservative networks. Financially successful, Shapiro's net worth is estimated in the tens of millions, derived from media ventures, book sales, and speaking fees. He has faced legal scrutiny in civil matters, such as defamation lawsuits related to his commentary, but no criminal convictions. Critics accuse him of misogyny, racism, and Islamophobia based on past statements, though he maintains these are misrepresentations. Shapiro's trajectory reflects a blend of legal acumen, provocative rhetoric, and entrepreneurial media savvy, shaping modern conservative discourse. As of 2025, he is slated to receive an award at Tikvah's upcoming conference.