Douglas Murray's Tribute to Ben Shapiro Goes Viral | WATCH

In a moment that has since gone viral across conservative circles, British author Douglas Murray delivered a powerful and moving introduction for Ben Shapiro at The Breakers resort earlier this month. The occasion was the presentation of the 2026 City Journal Award, hosted by the Manhattan Institute, honoring the Daily Wire co-founder for his unwavering impact on American public discourse.

Murray, a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, moved the audience by framing Shapiro not just as a media personality, but as a historical necessity in a "deranged" era.

Murray opened his tribute by reflecting on a conversation the two had at the same Palm Beach venue a decade ago. Predicting the social and political turbulence that would eventually grip the West, Murray recalled proposing a foundational principle: "Do not go insane."

While many public figures succumbed to the "bewildering and deranged opposition" of recent years, Murray lauded Shapiro as the exception. "He is the one person I always knew would remain a beacon of sanity," Murray noted, adding that Shapiro’s refusal to abandon his principles has made him an indispensable leader.

During the speech, Murray broke down exactly why Shapiro has become the "force" he is today:

Closing with a 1940 quote from Winston Churchill regarding the "shield of conscience," Murray declared, "I can think of nobody in American public life of whom it can be said that he marches in the ranks of honor than the man that we're gathered here this evening to honor."